Bravery and courage make the final trip home

By Jason Doce The Times Herald-Record jdoce@th-record.com

Nanuet – Five hundred mourners stood atop the knoll at St. Anthony's Shrine Church yesterday as Thomas Foley's coffin was borne past a long line of New York City firefighters. The pipers played "Amazing Grace," and the choir took up the anthem as Foley was carried into the church proper.

The 32-year-old's company, Rescue 3 of the Bronx, was one of the first to arrive at the World Trade Center tragedy. Foley's body was recovered 10 days later.

In the face of so many thousands still missing among the rubble, the recovery provided a measure of comfort.

"I feel blessed that the promise I made to my family was kept," said Foley's younger brother Danny, also a New York City firefighter. "And we brought Tommy home."

Those that eulogized Foley remembered an ambitious young man with a taste for hunting, skydiving and kayaking. Retired New York City firefighter Tom Conroy, Foley's mentor, recalled a boy that was meant to be one of New York's Bravest.

"I can still see him, running around the firehouse when he was a little kid, getting filthy dirty," Conroy said, his voice breaking. "I wish – just one wish – that I could see him one more time."

Heroism was the theme of the day, and hundreds cried to hear it. They filled the church proper and an adjacent chapel. They spilled down the hillside in quiet throngs.

"You've always been a hero in your little brother's eyes," said Danny, while sister Joanne Gross of Pine Bush stood at his side. "Now you're a hero to millions of people around the world."

New York City Deputy Mayor Robert Harding echoed Danny in a few words of his own.

"While the terrorists showed us the worst of human nature that morning," Harding said, "Tommy Foley showed us the best. Among the elite, heroism is a part of daily life."

Though an elegiac tone prevailed, glimmers of hope shone through. Foley was remembered for his humor, his warmth and the sense of brotherhood all felt in his presence. He was remembered as a man that loved life.

Danny closed the ceremony with a request.

"Celebrate the time that Tommy was with us" he said, "And don't dwell on a life cut short by tragedy."

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