Children of 9/11 Heroes Recognized
This month, the First Responder Children’s Foundation honored the children of two heroes who lost their lives on September 11. Among those recognized were the only female NYPD officer who perished in the Twin Towers, as well as a New York City firefighter who tragically never met her son.
Patricia Smith and Patrick Lyons were presented with the Legacy of Courage Award during the foundation’s annual gala on May 16. Representatives from the nonprofit highlighted that the evening’s purpose was to underscore their ongoing commitment to supporting the families they assist.
This 25th annual gala was held at Gotham Hall, coinciding with the quarter-century mark since the tragedies when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center. As the city prepares to honor the 2,753 lives lost, the event took on a particularly poignant significance.
Patricia Smith, only two years old at the time of the attacks, lost her mother, Moira Smith, who was the sole female among the 23 NYPD officers killed that day. A photographer captured a harrowing moment of Moira leading an injured individual from the wreckage before she went back in to save more people.
“She was someone who gave her life because she knew she would make a difference,” shared James Smith, Moira’s husband and a former New York City police officer, in a past interview. “She made sure that other people got home to their families that day.”
Patrick Mate Lyons had not yet been born when his father, FDNY Lt. Patrick J. Lyons, rushed toward the North Tower to help those trapped inside. His mother, Eileen, recalls the moment she watched the towers fall on television, realizing her husband was within them. Patrick was born roughly a month after the tragic event.
At the gala, Patricia received her award from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, while Patrick was awarded by NYPD Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. Foundation CEO Gillian Crane emphasized that the night was both a celebration of the past and a pledge to support the families they serve moving forward. “What makes this mission so powerful is the community behind it,” she noted.
The evening also featured a letter from former President George W. Bush, which was shared by his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, commending the foundation’s efforts over the past 25 years. Governor Kathy Hochul extended her congratulations as well.
“Twenty-five years ago, we made a promise to support the children and families of first responders,” stated Al Khan, the foundation’s founder and chairman. “What started in New York City has evolved into a national mission based on compassion, resilience, and hope.”
Since its inception after the September 11 attacks, the foundation has broadened its reach, providing assistance to 1.6 million children and 700,000 first responder families. Awards were also presented to CSX Railroad Company and iHeartMedia during the gala, highlighting further contributions to the mission.
