Saluting a Regular Jo
“O
beautiful for heroes proved
In
liberating strife.
Who
more than self their country loved
And
mercy more than life!”
“I was born
in Staten Island,” is not a phrase frequently professed by yours truly,
nycityman. It struck me fairly early on that
New York’s most bucolic borough was meant to be but a temporary way station as,
like Tony Manero before me, I yearned for the glitz, glamour and citification
of Manhattan (the four floor walk up, bathtub in the kitchen and plague of
roaches and mice were just unanticipated character-adding bonuses), after all, “how ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm, after they've seen Paree'?” And by Paree, I suppose, I mean Greenwich
Village, after four valuable and enjoyable years matriculating at New York
University.
But, all of the above being said, when it comes to the
horrific events of September 11, 2001, anyone ever associated with New York’s
“forgotten borough” can both, point with great pride at the courage and bravery
displayed by the significant number of first responders who hailed from Staten
Island, as well as mourn for the large loss of life resulting from their selfless
sacrifices.
Now, we are a country full of rage, animosity and
division. Such was not always the case. There was a time - a mere decade and a
half ago, before a sexist, misogynist, hate-filled white supremacist fabricated
his ignorant ways to the Republican Presidential nomination, filling his
followers with unfounded fears and prejudices, and turning American citizen
against American citizen - when we were once united and loyal. Once we were
caring and concerned. And once we were humane and compassionate. In light of the current ugly political
atmosphere and in commemoration of those we lost and those who gave so much of
themselves on that terrible day, and the days, weeks and months that followed,
I proudly share the tale of a hero who has not forgotten what empathy, kindness
and consideration is, nor abandoned the ideals and responsibilities of being an
American. This is the story of fellow Staten Islander, Firefighter Jo Jo
Esposito.
 |
| Jo Jo Esposito |
"In the tradition of the fire department, we take care of
our own”- Jo Jo Esposito
Jo Jo Esposito has served his country, city and community,
going on 32 years, as a valiant and committed member of New York’s Bravest, the
Fire Department of New York, Rescue 5, in Staten Island. As was the case with
so many from the metropolitan area, particularly those of his chosen, gallant
profession, September 11th was a day of dire devastation and severe
sorrow, when 11 of the firefighters from his unit, including his own brother
and cousin, perished in the line of their very dangerous duties.
Left in the wake of this tragedy were 26 fatherless
children. Perhaps, one man can do just so much to attempt to counter such
grievous, heartbreaking and painful circumstances, and many would never even
try, but Jo Jo felt the need and obligation to act, and from that disastrous
day, and for the 15 years that have followed, he has shouldered the burden of
duty, and love, and served as surrogate father to the offspring of his fallen
comrades.
Katelyn Mascali’s father died that day, and for her Jo Jo
has been a Godsend, "I'm sure I speak for all of the children of Rescue 5
that we really do get a little piece of our fathers when we’re with him. I know
I can feel my dad whenever I'm with him, and it’s an amazing thing."
Madeline Bergin, a widow of those attacks, similarly
expressed her appreciation, "It just really, really struck me at that
point because he was going through the same loss that we were going through,
and his major concern was about us and our families.”
He doesn’t seek recognition, fame or praise, but only
wishes to fulfill his calling and responsibility as a firefighter, a friend and
an American. And for all of the children and wives who have dealt so long with
so much loss, he has been a shoulder to cry on, a father figure to turn to, and
a companion to rely on, in times of need and when just facing the everyday
burdens of life. At every holiday, graduation, birthday and wedding, Jo Jo has
been there for his family from Rescue 5.
On this somber anniversary, it’s good to remember the
everyday people, the ordinary citizens, who have stepped up and done the
extraordinary. We close with a few more words of gratitude from those whom Jo
Jo has touched with his love and generosity of spirit –
"When you think of a father, you think of someone
that’s always there for you, you think of a hero, you think of someone that’s
always in your corner" - Massimo DiDonna
"That’s how I want to be as a person or an adult in
this world, that whenever a friend or family member calls, I'm the first person
there, and that’s what Jo Jo has taught me” - Shannon Bergin
“O
beautiful for spacious skies,
For
amber waves of grain,
For
purple mountain majesties
Above
the fruited plain!
America!
America!”
He was a singular genius, the likes of which we will never
see again. Performing the finest interpretation of America the Beautiful, live,
just weeks after the 9-11 attacks, the legend, Ray Charles.
Any comments, questions, criticisms, candid confessions, cash
contributions? Contact me at butchersaprons@mail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment