Cruz A. Fernandez

In the FDNY, Lt. Cruz Antonio Fernandez was known as “Bombero” (Spanish for firefighter). He graduated from York College NYC with an education degree, teaching physical education. When he found himself without a job after city budget cuts, his friend’s father challenged him to take the physical at FDNY. He passed and started his career in Spanish Harlem on #26 Truck at the Fire Factory. While there, he received a commendation at Medal Day from Mayor Koch for his bravery at the Schaumburg Fire. Later he took and passed the test for lieutenant and moved to Ladder 111/Engine 214, “the Nut House,” in Bedford-Stuyvesant. He loved being a firefighter with the FDNY. On his days off, he was a contractor. He could build anything out of wood, and his beautiful handiwork can be seen in both his firehouses. He was also a runner and ran nine NYC marathons. He retired from FDNY in November 2002 and moved with his wife, Jacqueline, to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he completely renovated his new home and drove his boat to his favorite restaurant, Anglesea. Bombero was part of the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero for ten months. He died on July 14, 2006, at age 52, from illness related to response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. On that day, September 11, 2001, he led his firefighters over the Brooklyn Bridge on foot after their firetruck could not make it across. He was remembered for his bravery and his leadership. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; daughter, Jillian; son, Antonio; and his three grandchildren, Ariana, Ace, and Lionel.