Dave LaForge was a 24 year veteran of the FDNY. While he waited to get on to the fire department‚ he drove for North American Van Lines‚ which prepared him for his job‚ his love – driving Ladder 20 from her Lafayette Street fire house in Soho to wherever the call came from.
Dave lived all his life on Staten Island. The ultimate perfectionist and handyman‚ he did extensive home renovations himself and also was on call for his parents and sister when their homes sprung a leak! In fact‚ he was on call for many folks‚ neighbors‚ other family members – Dave was the take-charge‚ know-how guy who cared.
He also had a home in Island Heights‚ New Jersey. He loved the ocean and often made the hour long drive in his second love‚ his black Pontiac Firehawk‚ music blaring. Dave is missed by many. He was the one who barbequed the meat and carved the Thanksgiving turkey‚ the one we called when there was a need‚ the guy with the great grin.
He drove Ladder 20 to the World Trade Towers on September 11 with 6 of his brothers and none returned – heroes all.
Climbing the stairs of Lambeau Field in David’s memory today 9-12-2015 .
– Sonya DeruyterMay God continue to bless Davids family. Firefighters from around Southwest Missouri will climbing the stairs at Silver Dollar City on 9/11/16. David will be represented by a Nixa Fire District Firefighter. Never Forget.
– Larry LaForgeClimbed 110 floors in honor of David this morning. God bless his family & friends!
Dallas 9/11 Stair Climb
– Mike CampbellYou were a good neighbor in island heights you would always be there for you’re mom and dad
– Wade elmsGod bless you will be missed
My dear family friend, your are never forgotten, every day but especially on this 15th anniversary!
– Sharon MillerTouched every stair in Lambeau Field in honor of David. 9/10/2016
– Jen WelkTouched every step at Lucas Oil Staduim FDIC 2017 in your honor! God Bless!!
– Jean GomezI have the pleasure of representing David at the 2017 Wichita Ks stair climb. You will never be forgotten and it is an honor.
– Todd BogenhagenI climbed the 110 flights of stairs at 400 Poydras, New Orleans, yesterday in your honor. You will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Denise Newman (St. Rose Vol. Fire Dept) 2017
– Denise NewmanWe took our family to see a tribute in our neighborhood, in Woods Cross Utah, to the fallen fire fighters of 9/11. We spoke your name and remembered your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.
– Adam CollingsI did the 8th Annual, 911 Memorial Hill Climb. My 3rd year . Honoring all first responders. I had the honor of carrying David’s picture and ladder # to the top and back down. Thank you David for your service. We all said a prayer and a moment of silence for you and all fallen. God Bless your loved ones.
– Annie Bailey( Fallbrook Firefighter Assoc.) Southern California
Thank you for your service sir. Was honored to walk for you and your family this morning for the 9/11 stair climb in Phoenix. May God continue to bless you and yours
– Ryan ForsytheJust completed my first stair climb in Binghamton NY. After randomly selecting a FF’s name I immediately noticed David was w/ Ladder 20 of the FDNY as I am currently w/ Ladder 20 in Montoursville, PA. It was an honor reading your name & ringing the bell in honor of your last call.
– Chance MooreI Climbed 110 Stories In Remembrance Of David Today In Tennessee. God Bless His Family!
– Wyatt PetersThank you to all who climb, walk, and don’t forget. We miss him so.. Take care all❤️
– Jane LaForge SchwerdJane (Dave’s sister)
You were my friend and I wish you were still here. You may be gone, but I will never forget you! It has been 19 years, but I think of you and your family often. My heart breaks all over again when this month approaches.
– Judith CromwellHonoring David by putting his bracelet back on for the 20th anniversary of his sacrifice this month. Rest well hero.
– Rob MendGod bless you, my brother, from another mother. I have thought about this day, your brothers and those that perished every year since that day. I pray God continues to grant peace.
– Larry A LaForge. NFPDMy husband participated in the 911 Tower Challenge in honor of David. He is not forgotten.
– Lee-AnneI climbed 110 flights of stairs at Lambeau Field today in honor of you, Dave. We will never forget you.
– Natalie Wentker9/10/2022 walked the stairs of Lambeau Field Green Bay Wisconsin wearing a
– Tonya Crosbypicture in honor of you and your sacrifice. WE WIll NEVER FORGET!!!
I pick his name randomly today on a tour in Manhattan. I say a pray in his memory and I will take his name with me from this day on.
– Mercedes Velasco SuárezUn abrazo muy grande a todos sus familiares.
Mercedes (Argentina)
Climbed the stairs of Lambeau today in memory of David.
– Rylee Olsen09/09/2023
In Honor of David, today I climbed 110 stories at the CO Red Rocks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Thank you David for your Service! You will Never be Forgotten! 9/11/2023
– Julie Nielsen