Timothy Matthew Welty was 34 years old and from Yonkers, New York. Timothy was a firefighter for the New York City Fire Department, Squad 288.
Timothy had gained a reputation as a fearless and single-minded firefighter, who would let nothing and no one stand in his way to fight a fire. This reputation earned him a spot in the new FDNY "Squad" Companies, which were created after the 1993 World Trade Center attacks as elite specially trained firefighting companies.
On September 11, 2001, Timothy had finished his 12 hour shift at FDNY Squad 288 in Queens. The sight of the burning towers was visible from the firehouse. Timothy called his wife to say he would not be home in time to bring their son to school, donned his turnout gear and jumped on the back of the Hazmat truck as it pulled out.
"My son, Timothy, was lost in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. He was killed while trying to save the lives of those trapped in the towers, regardless of race, color, religion, political affiliation or immigration status."
"Timmy, you were always a ray of sunshine, your smile lit up my life. We miss you desperately, love you intensely and hold you forever in our hearts." Adele Welty (Timothy's mother).
