DETERMINED TO FOLLOW FATHER
Graduates of the Bronx High School of Science generally do not enlist in the Marines, but Christian Regenhard, 28, resisted easy categorization. He was determined, said his mother, Sally Regenhard, to follow his father into the elite branch of the armed forces, despite a 146 IQ and an array of artistic talents.
Mrs. Regenhard "practically had a nervous breakdown" when Christian announced his intentions, a week before his 19th birthday. But his military accomplishments, and the medals to prove it, are now among her proudest memories.
After his discharge, Mr. Regenhard spent a year at San Francisco State University, studying art and trying writing. But he continued with the daring pursuits he had learned in the Marines: rock-climbing, scuba diving, running marathons, traveling and disappointing a parade of women.
"He was a babe magnet," Mrs. Regenhard said. "He spoke the language of love."
In January, Mr. Regenhard, the son of a retired police detective, again chose the adventurous route and joined the Fire Department. The long shifts on duty alternated with extra days off and time to pursue his art and his climbing.
Mr. Regenhard was still a "proby" on Sept. 11, assigned to Ladder Company 131 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, which shares a firehouse with Engine Company 279. He was covering for someone in the engine company that morning, his mother said.
Profile shared from original published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 16, 2001.