A retired 9/11 first responder with the FDNY, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Dunn, tragically took his own life on February 1. Dunn, 52, had been struggling with both physical and mental health issues due to his experiences during the terrorist attack. He was found at a park in Florida, where he had been living after retiring.
Dunn had only been with the New York Fire Department for six months when the attacks on the Twin Towers occurred. He saw the first plane hit the North Tower and rushed to the scene with his team. As he approached the buildings, the South Tower collapsed, sending smoke, dust, and debris into the streets. Despite the chaos, he continued helping people, even sharing his oxygen with those trying to escape. He worked at Ground Zero for months after the attack.
Because of his exposure to toxic dust and smoke, Dunn developed asthma, which eventually forced him to retire from the FDNY. He also suffered from PTSD, a condition that affected many first responders. His uncle, Vince Dunn, a former Fire Department commander, expressed his sorrow, saying, “He was a great kid. I always thought he would rise through the ranks. It’s tragic, but he’s probably more at peace now.”
Vince also reflected on the struggles faced by 9/11 responders. “Everyone in the fire service has PTSD, especially those who survived 9/11. It’s a different level of trauma,” he said. Many firefighters who worked at Ground Zero have since developed serious health conditions. The number of responders who have died from 9/11-related illnesses nearly matches those who died on the day of the attacks. In 2023, some of their names were added to the September 11th Memorial.
Dunn’s obituary described him as a kind and caring person who loved his family. He was deeply devoted to helping others and was especially supportive of his sister-in-law and her children after his brother, James M. Dunn Sr., passed away. “Tommy was a kind-hearted man who found joy in helping others. His love for his family and friends was evident in everything he did,” the obituary read.
He is survived by his wife, Michaela Dunn; his parents, Tom and Nancy Dunn; and his beloved pets, Casey Mae, Ginger, and Penny. His firefighter brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends will always remember him fondly.
