Kenneth Joseph Marino was 40 years old and from Monroe, New York. Kenneth was a firefighter for New York City Fire Department, Rescue Company 1.
On September 11, 2001, Kenneth put on his helmet and responded to the World Trade Center less than one hour after his wife, Katrina, and their children, Kristin, and Tyler, had paid him a surprise visit at his Manhattan firehouse. He sat the kids on one of the trucks, held Kristin in his lap. And then they were gone.
Nine men responded from Rescue One including four who were off duty at the time. Two of their bodies were later recovered from the stairwell of Tower One. But seven, including Kenneth, were never found.
Katrina has kept the damaged helmet her husband wore into the North Tower. "It's nice to have that," she said. "It's nice to have that special object, something tangible that I can see and hold."
Katrina, who met her husband when she was working as a flight attendant, said she has not remarried and still struggles to cope without him.
"We have a long road to travel, this is going to be a life changing journey, one I never thought we would have to make. We are lucky to have such a wonderful support system. Family, friends and the nation have all shown such kindness. I know we will not be alone in this journey. Thank you all." Katrina.
Katrina is featured in this Life book The American Spirit: Meeting the Challenge of September 11
