On September 11‚ 2001 a very special person was taken from us. That special person was Firefighter Peter A. Bielfeld (age 44) Shield #1699 of FDNY Ladder42/Engine 73‚ Bronx‚ New York. Firefighter Bielfeld’s heroic acts on that day were no surprise to those who knew him. FF Peter Bielfeld had 19 years and 3 months with the Department as a firefighter. He spent his entire career with Ladder 42. He was one of the best firefighters. He had tremendous experience‚ having been involved in several major fires. He had no fear and had been involved in some very dramatic rescues. He always went out of his way to help the younger members of the company. In his spare time he would always be training the young members‚ showing them some special techniques he had learned through his experience. He had a very outgoing personality‚ always engaging people. During his career with the Department‚ he received two citations of valor. His heart was set on taking the next fire lieutenant’s test to further his career. In June of 2002 he was eligible to retire with 20 years of service.
At the time of the WTC attack‚ FF Bielfeld was at FDNY Headquarters in downtown Brooklyn. He was at the Bureau of Health Services for a follow-up visit on injuries that he sustained at a fire in the Bronx on Friday September 7‚ 2001. It was told to us that when an announcement was made‚ that firefighters were needed to respond to the WTC attack‚ he asked to be placed back on duty so he could respond. FF Bielfeld never hesitated‚ but immediately jumped on a department vehicle that was heading toward the towers. We were also told that he responded to Ladder 10/Engine 10 where he geared up and headed in to help. That was the last that anyone saw of him.
All that we have left of Peter are our memories and stories of him that we can share with each other and with his 2-year-old daughter Brittany Marie (the love of his life) whom he adored and who resembles her father so much. We must always remember to carry on Peter’s memory with Brittany.
Shared from NFFFF