Patrick Brown

File:Capt. Brown Time Picture.jpg
**Patrick (Paddy) John Brown** was born in Oak Park, Illinois on November 9, 1952. His father, John, was a FBI agent and his mother, Ruth, a talented pianist who gave piano lessons while raising her family. An FBI transfer brought the family to Queens Village, New York in 1953 where Patty spent his childhood and where his brother, Michael, and his sister, Carolyn, were born.

Those who knew Paddy as a child recall that the fire department was always his passion. He’d spend as much time as he could at the local firehouse. He had a scanner in his bedroom and would respond to local fire calls on his bicycle. He watched the firefighters intently and absorbed the ways of the FDNY.

At 17 years of age Patrick became a US Marine. Persuading his father to sign a document allowing him a combat assignment, he went off to Vietnam. He became a highly respected and decorated Marine sergeant.

After his tour in Vietnam Paddy returned to New York, proud of his service to his country but also haunted by his memories of combat. He spent a number of years on the Fire Patrol as he settled in Manhattan and on December 17, 1977 Patrick was appointed to the Fire Department of New York and so began what would become a legendary firefighting career.

As a firefighter Paddy was assigned to Ladder 26, Rescue 1 and Rescue 2. Promotion to a Lieutenant found him at Ladder 28 and as a Captain he served for many years at Engine 69. His final assignment was at the prestigious Ladder 3 on East 13th Street in Manhattan.

While Paddy was making a name for himself in the fire department he was also busy otherwise. His passions extended beyond the walls of the firehouse. He was a Golden Gloves boxer and a second degree black belt in karate who donated his time to teach this martial art to the blind. As a member of the NYC Road Runner’s running club he ran in six marathons. He also attended John Jay College and earned a degree in Psychology.

Paddy never married but was never lacking for a Saturday night date to see the Broadway shows that he so loved. Handsome and very much a gentleman, he was actually at one time declared one of Manhattan’s most eligible bachelors.

Over his 24 years of service to the FDNY Patrick became one of the department’s most decorated firefighters. He blended his extensive knowledge of firefighting with creativity, innovation, bravery and quick-thinking to perform spectacular and highly publicized rescues. For many of these he received FDNY medals. For his much publicized "rope rescue" which took place in May of 1991, Paddy received a letter of recognition from President George Bush. It always seemed that he was in the right place at the right time whether he was on or off duty (it was once said that when Pat walked down a street fire would break out spontaneously and young women would appear at their windows crying out to be saved.) Monetary rewards received along with these medals were always quietly donated by Paddy to the Burn Unit at Cornell University Medical Center.

Patrick was becoming recognized as one of the fire department’s living legends. As was said more than once, the only person that would object to this characterization would be Paddy himself. He was not comfortable talking about his heroic accomplishments. He preferred to be an outspoken advocate for improving conditions for his men. This trait sometimes got him in a bit of hot water with his superiors. But Paddy was not beyond ruffling some feathers to get what he knew his men needed and deserved. He developed a reputation of bravery, talent, and integrity and firefighters would request transfers to Paddy’s firehouse for the opportunity to work with and learn from him.

In the last ten years of his life Patrick found spirituality and comfort in the practice of yoga. Experiences in Vietnam and heartbreaking losses of some of his best friends in fire department line of duty deaths left him with feelings of deep pain and loss. (He once dedicated 40 days to taking care of his friend, FDNY Captain John Drennan, after he was severely burned in a fire. After John’s death Pat continued to be there to offer Captain Drennan’s family support and comfort.) In yoga Patrick found a way to focus his sadness and anger, acknowledge it and calm his mind and spirit. In yoga he found peace.

On September 11, 2001, Patrick and eleven men from Ladder 3 responded to the attacks at the World Trade Center. His firehouse, Ladder 3, is located in very close proximity to the Twin Towers so his was one of the first fire companies on the scene. Along with so many other rescue workers, the men of Ladder 3 participated in perhaps the most successful rescue effort in U.S. history. These rescue workers, at their own peril, managed to safely evacuate over 25,000 people from those burning towers. It is believed that Paddy and his men were on the 40th floor of the North Tower with 30 or 40 severely burned people when that tower fell.

Patrick’s life, soul, and spirit were remembered on what would have been his 49th birthday, November 9, 2001, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Thousands packed the enormous church to overflowing while firefighters lined up three and four deep as far as the eye could see on Fifth Avenue to honor and respect this legendary firefighter.

Pat’s remains were recovered from the rubble of the North Tower on December 14, 2001. On a cold, clear night two weeks later, according to Patty’s wishes, his ashes were spread by his family and friends in Central Park along a path where he loved to jog. Paddy’s body was put to rest but his spirit and influence lives on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

Since his death many people have shared personal stories of how Paddy helped and inspired them. He touched so many people’s lives. The honors for him continue even though he is no longer physically here with us. The Captain Patrick J. Brown Walk now runs along the East River on Avenue C in the shadow of the Stuyvesant Town apartment building he lived in. Also, a memorial scholarship fund has been set up in New Orleans in his name to help educate underprivileged children. A picture drawn by Canadian firefighter, Jim Nedelak is one of the most visible tributes to Paddy Brown. Mr. Nedelak used Pat’s likeness to represent firefighters everywhere and is a supreme honor.

Patrick Brown was passionate, intense, complicated, humble, and an inspiration to both those who knew him and those who are just now finding out about this incredible man. He’ll be remembered as a devoted friend, a dedicated firefighter, a warrior, and someone who made a difference.