Comments: From: Jo-Ann Casoria, submitted: 02/21/2002 6:36:05 AM E-mail: I am equally very proud and grieved to say that my cousin, FDNY Firefighter Thomas Casoria of Engine Co. 22, was one of the brave men who lost his life on September 11, 2001. Tommy absolutely loved his job and he loved sharing stories of his workdays with his older brother, Carlo, also a firefighter. Carlo was looking forward to hearing Tommy's tale of the towers. Unfortunately, Tommy, who has yet to be recovered, was inside Tower One when it came down. One of his firefighter "brothers" who survived that day relayed some of Tommy's tale. Dominic was determined to go that day even though there wasn't enough room for him on the truck. He decided he would stand, but Tommy was afraid Dominic's legs would tire and he wouldn't be able to climb the tower's stairs carrying equipment and people. Inside of the truck, Tommy pulled Dominic onto his lap, reassuring him that this would be a good call, that they would talk about it for years. When they arrived, there wasn't a mask for Dominic. As he scurried from truck to truck trying to borrow a mask, Tommy and the others disappeared into Tower One. Tommy radioed in his location twice after Tower Two fell. He and two of his "brothers," Vinny Kane and Mike Elferis, were carrying a paraplegic down the stairwell, when a call came in that another firefighter needed aid. Tommy answered that call, as he did many others. Losing Tommy was extremely painful and difficult. Not a moment goes by that I don't think of him. I am grateful for the time that we had with him and for heros like him who continue to answer the call everyday. From: wally rothe, submitted: 07/09/2002 7:22:50 PM E-mail: firewrench604@aol.com i am proud to say i met tommy he was truly a good kid! i also knew of mike elferis reading this story only makes more proud i knew them.their unselfishness just reassures my carear choice of becoming a firefighter.my best thoughts go to carlo and his family.i wear a sticker on my helmet from 9-11 on forever in memoriam especially for tommy and mike.if any family members visit south fla e mail me and i and my local will see that they will be taken care of while in our area. From: Adam Davenport, submitted: 09/05/2002 7:53:23 PM E-mail: dog_usa_3000@yahoo.com I just wanted to let Thomas Casoria's family know that I am sorry for their loss and that America is on your side. God is also on your side. Your fellow countryman. Adam Davenport From: Dean & Barbara Cormier, submitted: 09/19/2002 10:11:30 AM E-mail: bcormier@pclient.ml.com My husband worked with Tommy before he became a firefighter and remained friends with him when he went on the firedepartment. On many occasions we all met up at the 5 corners restaurant and bar after work. Tommy will always be remember as the nicest guy with a great sense of humor. We feel for his fiance Terri and our thoughts are with her and Tommy's brother Carlo and Tommy's entire family everyday. We have since moved to PA and my husband has become a firefighter here and on every call he answers I think of Tommy and pray for my husbands safety. We will always remember him fondly. He truley was a great person and a hero to us always.

 

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