Firefighter
Christian Regenhard
Ladder 131
Memorial
Service was held
on October 26, 2001.
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.
Newsday
Article
Legacy.com
Article
Photos
of Christian
A site dedicated
to Christian
SkyscraperSafety.org