Battalion Chief Charles Kasper
Special Operations

Memorial Service was held
on September 28, 2001

This page is dedicated to Charles Kasper.
Brother, you are always in our hearts and our thoughts. You have been an inspiration to us and we will try to live up to the high standard that you have set.
You will never be forgotten.

from the brothers and sisters of NYRRT-1

Charles Kasper, Battalion Chief

Granddaddy's Trains

Last year at Christmastime, Deputy Chief Charles L. Kasper of the Fire Department's Special Operations Command went out and bought a set of trains. They were not for his 425-person division, which races to the scene whenever there is a major catastrophe and already owns a huge collection of red-painted fire trucks, fireboats and other exciting toys for grown-ups. No, they were for his grandson, but when the chief linked the track pieces into a circle and sent the locomotive huffing and whistling around it, Dylan, then only 7 months old, was too young to appreciate the spectacle. Never mind, thought Chief Kasper. There's always next year. On Sept. 11, the 54-year-old veteran of dozens of rescues was having a day off when he heard about the World Trade Center attacks. He scrambled into a spare fire engine parked near his home in Staten Island and sped to the towers. He had a motto: "Drive it like it's stolen," recalled Jim Ellson, a retired captain. Recently Chief Kasper's wife, Laureen, and their children unpacked the trains, set them up the same way he had and watched while Dylan reacted with delight. "We say that he's playing with Granddaddy," who was "always on duty for his family," Mrs. Kasper said. "And we know that Charlie's circle will always encircle us." Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 9, 2001. KASPER-Charles L. Deputy Chief, F.D.N.Y. Beloved husband of Laureen. Devoted father of Melissa and Mark Friedman, Kara Kasper and Michael. Adoring ''Granddaddy'' to Dylan Friedman. A 28 year veteran of the F.D.N.Y. Recently promoted to Deputy Chief. He reported in from his home the morning of the World Trade Center disaster. Chief Kasper arrived at the Command Post prior to the collapse. He was last seen directing Fire Operations in the North Tower. There will be a memorial service in his honor on Friday September 28, 2001 at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Richmond Terrace at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. Paid notice published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on September 26, 2001.

Newsday Article
SI Live Article

Back to Chief Index