Brian J. Masterson was born on September 23, 1955, in Lissavaddy, Co. Longford, Ireland. Firefighter Masterson was an avid golfer and loved to run. In fact, he ran in the New York City Marathon multiple times and many other races throughout the Hudson Valley.

Firefighter Masterson was appointed to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on March 25, 1990, and served his first eight years in the quarters of Engine Company 93. He transferred to Ladder Company 45, where he continued working for another 11 years before his final transfer to Marine 9. His life was dedicated to the job he loved, and he served the city of New York for 25 years.

He died on January 22, 2017, from an illness related to his response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Firefighter Masterson is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Barbara and Shanon; son, Joseph; granddaughter, Sienna; and siblings, Kevin (retired FDNY supervising fire marshal) and Gemma.