John T. Vigiano II

Firefighter First Grade
Ladder Company 132,
Fire Department of New York

John was the older of two sons. He was born in 1964 in Ozone Park, Queens. The family moved to Deer Park in 1966 where John was raised. As a child, he played football for the Knights of Columbus, baseball for the Deer Park Little League and a few years of Lacrosse for the Deer Park High School. He also played and coached roller hockey for many years while going to high school and college.

John joined the Cub Scouts at the age of eight. He continued in his Scouting career up to his 18th birthday. When John was prepared to make the coveted award of Eagle Scout, his brother asked him to wait for him to catch up so they could make the rank together. Not only did he wait for his brother, but he also assisted him in studying for the necessary badges. They honored their parents with a Double Eagle Scout Ceremony.

John graduated from Deer Park High School and went on to Stony Brook College, where he majored in business. John graduated in 1983 with his Bachelors Degree. When John's father became stricken with cancer, John saw the way the Firefighters took care of his family while his father was in the hospital. This devotion to his family, prompted him to become a New York City Firefighter. John fulfilled his wish and became the third generation New York City Firefighter in 1991, carrying his Grandfather's badge, 3436.

John started his career in Engine Company 230 in the heart of Bed-Sty. He worked there until his transfer to Ladder Company 132, where his father had served, back in 1977. Quickly John made his mark with his sense of humor and devotion to the job. It was his smile that became his trademark. John was the co-captain of the firehouse Hockey team. His tenacity as a defenseman became well known. Their team won the league championship three years in a row.

John was a volunteer firefighter for nearly 5 years. During that time he assisted his father in teaching other firefighters throughout the country. His role of assistant instructor was a natural for him because he was so good at it. It was not long before he was teamed up with his brother.

On September 11th, the two were joined once again at the World Trade Center where he gave his life doing what he loved; saving victims of fire. His wife Maria and his two daughters, Nicolette and Ariana, survive him.

Joseph V. Vigiano

Detective, Emergency Service
Squad No. 2
New York Police Department

Joe was born in 1967 and raised in Deer Park, New York. As a child he participated in many sports, playing football for the Knights of Columbus, baseball for the Deer Park Little League, and a few years of Lacrosse for the Deer Park High School.

Joe joined the Cub Scouts at 8 years old. He continued in scouting up to his 18th birthday. At the age of 13, Joe was awarded Scouts' highest honor, the Honor Medal. He received this for a water rescue. At 15 he had attained the coveted award of Eagle Scout. He continued in scouting, serving in all leadership positions until he was 18.

Upon graduation from high school, Joe took the test for the police department. Having scored a mark of 100, he was called to duty at the young age of 20. He began his career in Field Training Unit 16, then went on to the 75th Precinct, one of the most crime active precincts in the city. His career carried him into the Detective Bureau until he transferred into Emergency Service. Joe was one of the first Detective Investigators to be assigned to the elite Emergency Service Division. The Police Commissioner bestowed this honor on him for his outstanding record. Joe was assigned to Truck Seven, ESU and after a few years, transferred to Truck Two, where he served until he was killed. Joe's trademark was his sense of humor. No matter what the problem, Joe found a funny side to it. His ability to make people laugh was truly a gift. Joe was one of the Department's most decorated members, he had been shot five times in the line of duty. Joe often lectured other law enforcement agencies on his own time about police tactics. Joe also played on the Department's Lacrosse team. Joe was given the distinct honor of being the first Emergency Service Officer to be promoted to Detective Second grade. Joe was awarded the following Department medals, the Combat Cross, the Medal of Valor, the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor.

A volunteer firefighter, he held the position of Fire Commissioner in his hometown for several years. Using this experience, he assisted his father and brother in teaching Fire Departments throughout the country.

On September 11th,at the World Trade Center, Joe gave his life doing what he loved, saving people in distress. His wife Kathleen and his three sons, Joseph, James, and John, survive him.