Denis Leary Honors 9/11 Firemen as ‘Rescue Me’ Ends
One of the more raw, real and resonating pieces of pop culture to follow and reference the attacks on September 11th was the Denis Leary FX hit Rescue Me, in which Leary played a New York City Fireman continually affected by both his job and the aftershocks of the attacks.
On the show, Leary’s character Tommy Gavin lost a cousin, Lt. Jimmy Keefe, in the tragedy. The rippling effects of the losses of that day (and the theme of loss for rescuers) was a persistent theme during the show’s seven series, 93 episode run. For Leary, the inception of the show was largely- although not nearly entirely- the logical extension of a nearly career-long habit of advocating for first responders.
The events of September 11th weren’t Leary’s first exposure to the danger and loss firefighters and their families face daily. Back in 1991, a cousin of the stand-up and actor, Jerry Lucey, was killed along with five other rescuers in a Worcester, Massachusetts warehouse fire. In response, Leary founded the Leary Firefighters Foundation, and as Rescue Me ended, he lamented that while the high-profile events brought the plight of firefighters to the forefront, not much has changed:
“It would be great if firefighters across the country had the guarantee that they would be making enough money to support their family right from the get-go, but that’s not the case.” Ten years after 9/11 and more than a decade after the deadly fire in Worcester, the actor says, “It’s really a hole that never goes away.”
Leary has raised more than $10 million dollars for new equipment for firefighters, but he says that the most important and “basic” improvement for first responders, “pay raises,” has yet to come. And while his hit show wrapped just four days ahead of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, it’s unlikely to be a torch Leary will drop anytime soon.
Of the series finale- surviving 9/11 firefighters were present at the screening, Leary said:
“It was very emotional… But I couldn’t really cry there. There were firefighters there … it wasn’t one of those things where you could cry if you were a guy.”
Tags : 9/11 firefighters, denis leary, denis leary 9/11 firefighters
Posted: September 11, 2011
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Sep 11, 2011
According to KVUE-TV, the state of Texas, under Gov. Rick Perry, cut state funding for the volunteer fire departments that protect most of the state from wildfires. Firefighters have actually been dipping into their own pockets to fight fires.
Volunteer departments that were already facing financial strain had their funding cut from $30 million to $7 million. There are 879 volunteer fire departments in Texas; 114 are paid fire departments, while 187 departments are a combination of volunteer and paid.
At a press conference Monday, Perry promised to seek federal disaster relief and said that FEMA would be in the state by Wednesday.
Sep 11, 2011
well jeeze so if Perry is elected president will more of us have to dip into our pockets to pay for services, like the firefighters and teacher already do? maybe he needs to pray to God harder to stop the hell fire in his state or support those 1st responders in the 1st place. pleeze dont vote for this man.
Sep 11, 2011
most fire depts have a lucative WAGE AND BENIFITS EXCEPT FOR THE VOLENTEER ONES IN PODUNK usa.
AND I CAME FROM PODUNK AND THE BIG.
Sep 11, 2011
city fire with their powerful Unions have and will use all scams possible and as a add on the Cal Trans
Dept. have the most fatalities
Sep 11, 2011
I keep trying to put the feelings of that day into words, then I watch the videos, and it simply isn't possible ((sigh)) http://www.writerofthestorm.com/2011/09/remembrance-of-hope.html.
Sep 11, 2011
I really loved his show rescue me and I am glad that he does not forget what 9/11 really mean so sad when I read he had lost a cousin in the fire it is a loss that will ever be alway's alive in his heart, i hope that thru the year's it will hurt a less thank you denis leary for that great show!
Sep 12, 2011
Dennis Leary, You are a true hero for representing many of the firefighters in NYC! They could have not picked a better person to play in Rescue Me! You have showed true compassion for all in NYC and we want to thank you for your dedication, love and sacrifice you have shown through the years. We all love you brother and you have brought much joy to all of our hearts!
Sep 12, 2011
congress should hang their heads in shame for the lousy bill they passed for the first responders health benefits. it doesn't cover cancer which is what a lot of them are getting. they should all be run out of office. God bless our firefighters and all the first responders for the work they do and have done. know how proud we are of you. rest in peace. know you are loved and respected.