EFD/FDNY E-30 For One Day

[efdcapt115 1,511]

When the time came for FDNY Fire Marshall Ron Bucca to be laid to rest in the aftermath of September 11th, it presented a dilemma in that The FDNY B.F.I. did not possess any apparatus to use for the funeral. The Caisson came from Pearl River FD. Yonkers graciously sent a Tower Ladder over for the American Flag display used with Eastchester's former L-17 Seagrave. Thanks to a very talented Eastchester Firefighter J.J. Rockhill, who did bus labeling as a side job, Eastchester was able to accommodate the Bucca family, and FDNY Manhattan Base B.F.I. in a very special way. Fire Marshall Bucca was working on a display for the FDNY Fire Museum at the time of his death; most know the Museum is housed in the Quarters of the FDNY decommissioned Engine 30. So Jay went to work on EFD's Engine 30. The detail was incredible, the respect unforgettable. The rig was used to escort the Caisson, and carried all floral arrangements. Note the Fire Marshall's Shield, Jay was able to recreate. (sorry the date stamp is off)

[gb17 3]

I was there that day, honoring yet another of my colleagues and friends who was taken from us. As became the norm, the brotherhood stepped up to the plate and did for us what we were unable to do for ourselves during that tragic time. As the anniversary rapidly approaches, let me say once again, THANK YOU to the Eastchester FD and to the countless others who showed our families and all of us in the FDNY that we were not forgotten, and that our sacrifice was not in vain. May the Lord protect all of you as you tend to the need of others. Stay Safe.

[25truck26 29]

Read the book a "1000 years for Revenge" A great read and will tell you a lot about the life of Ronnie Bucca and what he knew about terrorism and Al.Qaeda. Ronnie was an expert, was probably the smartest guy ever to be in the FDNY and the FBI and JTTF should have listened to him. A great Book

[NJMedic 96]

He was also days away from returned to FDNY Rescue 1 and formly a member of Rescue 1. Did FDNY run out of cassions for the funeral or for some reason he was not afforded a FDNY funeral?

[CBX4627 114]

He was also days away from returned to FDNY Rescue 1 and formly a member of Rescue 1. Did FDNY run out of cassions for the funeral or for some reason he was not afforded a FDNY funeral?

You know who I am...............YES, around that time frame, we ran out of Caisson rigs............as inconceivable as that is.................My old house lost 15 guys..........I remember an old Mack CF engine from Wyckoff, NJ being the caisson rig for about 3 guys from my house.......................................They found about 5 other guys............the rest have STILL NEVER been recovered!.......................I'll never forgive the muslims............................

[efdcapt115 1,511]

He was also days away from returned to FDNY Rescue 1 and formly a member of Rescue 1. Did FDNY run out of cassions for the funeral or for some reason he was not afforded a FDNY funeral?

The reason I posted these photos is because for one day, Eastchester's E-30 in my opinion was the most meaningful, beautiful, yet heartbreaking fire engine I had ever seen. Maybe you can see that in the photos.

FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation (if I might) uses cars, not fire engines. That was what I was saying; Manhattan BFI did not have a rig. The Engine 30 concept came up due to Fire Marshall Bucca working on a Zoave (sp?) exhibition at the museum. It just worked out.

Sorry for any confusion. I don't know how many funerals took place the day of F.M. Buccas. EFD and Pearl River were there to fill a need that day in support of a FDNY function; the BFI liasons were there to advise on advance planning on through the FDNY ceremony.

The Bucca family deserved nothing less than full support from everyone, and they got it. They are the epitome of a patriotic, caring, American family.

[16fire5 693]

There was at least one Saturday I remeber where there was over a dozzen memorial services and probably close to 20. We were stretched very thin. From the worst we get the best of people as was the case here with FF Rockhill who did his part to give FF Bucca a proper send off. With so much going on at the time the little things like this went largly unnoticed. Thanks for the story Cap.

[M' Ave 1,466]

Very beautiful story and a wonderful job done by neighboring departments. Thank you for sharing these photos and the story.

[wraftery 1,275]

FDNY Pipes and Drums were able to split up into 9 bands to make sure ALL the brothers got their proper honors.

Edited September 3, 2010 by wraftery

[firefighter-70 27]

Ron Bucca was also in the US Army Special Forces (Green Beret). He was a member of 1st Battalion 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne), until he was injured on the job. He then moved to Army Civil Affairs to continue serving the nation. He was very knowledgeable regarding radical Islam. Rest in peace.