Saturday, September 11, 2010

In Remembrance - William Wren

Several years ago I became a part of something called Project 2996. Each person who agreed to participate was given the name of someone who perished on September 11. Since that time I remember William Wren and his family on this day.



In remembrance -

William Wren - age 61
Resident Manger - OCS Security
Confirmed Dead - World Trade Center

William Wren, a retired New York City firefighter, worked for OCS Securiy as fire security officers in the World Trade Centers.

Raised in Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn, Wren graduated from James Madison High School, served three years in the U.S. Army and joined the New York City Fire Department. People remember him as a quiet, reserved man who never spoke of his firefighting adventures.

The New York Port Authority contracted with OCS as part of the additional safety precautions that were put into place after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Five employees of OCS died on September 11, including Wren's neighbor of over thirty years, Richard Fitzsimons.

Both men were at work on that morning and Wren called his wife Pat shortly after 9 a.m. to say he was OK. But sirens were wailing in the background. Ten minutes later he called back to say that Richard was also OK and that Pat should call his wife and let her know.

That was a last time either family heard from the men. It is known that they continued to perform their duties, along with the other OTC employees who were lost - Philip Hayes, Larry Boisseau and Robert Mayo. They evacuated the day care center first, and with their intimate knowledge of the building continued to evacuate and bring others to safety.

These are just the barest facts of his life and his actions on that day. To tell his whole story, the story of his life and his death, would take an entire book. There are those who can remember him as the man who saved their lives. How would you ever repay a debt of that magnitude? You could remember.... and vow to live your life with the caliber of character exhibited by this man.

Just people..... just doing their jobs....thrust into extreme circumstances. Everyday heroes.

I want William Wren's wife Pat and their children to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers and that we will never forget their loved one or their loss.

A story published September 15, 2001 - The families waited.

15 comments:

Belle said...

A beautiful tribute.

Vee said...

Thank you for telling us about this man. It is wonderful that you have a special job to do on this day...remembering William, but I imagine that you truly think of him and pray for his family throughout the year.

Becky said...

I join you in your prayers.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I am afraid that people are starting to forget--thanks for the reminder.

Jensamom23 said...

What a nice tribute and an important one! We need to never forget. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Very lovely tribute to such a deserving hero.

Donna@soakinginmustard.com said...

Thank you Suzanne for sharing this moving tribute to William Wren, firefighter, husband, hero. I know I will never forget all those who died on 9/11/2001.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing about the Wren family. It was a wonderful tribute.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing about the Wren family. It was a wonderful tribute.

GrannySmithGreen said...

We must never forget what happened that horrible day in 2001.

Taylor H. said...

This is a wonderful tribute. The victims and their families from 9/11 are always in mym prayers.

Velva said...

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Bailie said...

What a nice tribute. Thank you for remembering.

lifewithquads said...

Brought me to tears.

Michelle said...

In our family, we remember. We want to remember. We need to. Thank you for that lovely tribute.