Father of 9/11 Hero dedicates motorcycle to son.
Feb 6th, 2008 by admin
Bob Carlo is standing at Ground Zero today staring into the resting place of his son, FDNY Firefighter Michael Carlo. “I think about him every, single day,” Carlo said last week as the sixth anniversary of the terrorists’ attack grew closer. “It never gets any easier. I get choked up talking about it. It’s like it happened yesterday.”
On that morning six years ago, Michael Carlo was talking with his brother Rob, also a FDNY firefighter, describing the black smoke rolling out of the tower. “They were talking by direct connect when he saw the second plane strike the other tower. Then, he told him that his company was getting called. He told Rob he’d talk to him that night.” But, that call would never happen. Michael Carlo was with his crew of Engine 230 in the South Tower when it came crashing down.
“Looking up at the twisted steel that looked like licorice sticks, I just knew there was no way they would find my son here.” Carlo’s voice quivered as he described those first moments. “It was horrible, just horrible. That pile was massive. You just have no idea.”
There are reminders of his heroic son throughout his home, including a curio cabinet that holds photos, a FDNY uniform shirt, a specially designed quilt and the medal presented to the family during a White House ceremony. There’s a square wooden box containing dirt from the pile. Firefighter Michael Carlo’s portrait greets all who enter his father’s home office. Other walls are graced with pictures of Michael in happier times as well the flag raising at the site, plaques and awards.
Carlo and his eldest son, Rob, who is now retired from the FDNY, enjoy riding motorcycles. Michael’s picture was hand-painted on the back of his father’s 2003 Harley Davidson Firefighter Classic.
Motorists often give him a thumbs up or wave when they spot it. Carlo said Michael would like that.
Rest in Peace Michael, we won’t forget.
Madmyk
