Donald J. Burns‚ 61‚ assistant chief‚ FDNY‚ citywide tour commander. Burns had set up a command center in the World Trade Center’s South Tower just minutes before it collapsed. Decorated five times during his 39-year career‚ Burns had been the commander of Tower 1 at the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. He was considered a ‘walking encyclopedia’ because of his vast knowledge of New York City’s streets and subway system.
Service was in his genes: Burns’ father retired as a battalion chief. A father of 3‚ he also volunteered with his hometown fire department.
Every night he would go outside to watch the sun set over the Long Island Sound because every sunset and every day is unique. But mostly he loved taking long walks with his wife‚ Betty.
I never really knew Donald, but when we went to Kirkwood park we saw the memorial flags displaying the fallen hero’s. I went around and looked at them all but as soon as I saw Donald’s flag something immediately drew me to him. We ended up buying his flag and a women named Moira Smiths flag. Their flags are now proudly displayed in our front yard where I admire them everyday. Donald, you didn’t deserve this and I appreciate everything you have done, there is not a moment spent that I don’t think about you. Rest In Peace, Donald James Burns.
– HannahHi , my name is Kasey Golding. I am a firefighter with San Juan County fire department , Center Point , district 7, in Aztec New Mexico. Today September 9 , 2017 Farmington Fire Department sponsored the first annual 911 stair climb. I had the honor of walking 110 flights of stairs in the memory of Donald Burns. I wanted to say how humbling it was , and what a honor it was to walk in remembrance of this fallen firefighter. Thank you soo much for your selfless sacrifice on that horrific day. It is sixteen years later and you as well as all other 343 hero’s are still being honored. You will never be forgotten brother! Your family will be in my prayers for the rest of my life.
– Kasey R GoldingSincerely , Kasey R Golding
Don attended the same church as my family. He was the sweetest guy. He always complimented me on my singing in our choir and made my daughter giggle. That’s who he was — he’d take the time to go out of his way in small ways to brighten people’s days.
– Erin MaynardDonald J Burns came into my life when I was 7 years old. He was my sister’s husband, father of their three children and always a firefighter. it was his life. my Mom and Dad shared a two family home with them when they first got married. I was their flower girl in their wedding, He always handled things with ease, never got flustered. just took care of it. He loved loved my sister like nothing I have ever seen and I always hoped to have that kind of relationship with someone when I grew up. Those “loves” are rare , I realize. Fortunate to find it if you do. Elizabeth was 59 when 911 happened and she lost Donald. It was a beyond difficult time in so many layers. I lost my husband at the same age that she was when she lost Donald. She was there for me like any sister would be but stayed with me and comforted me. She knew how different life was without Don, she knew the challenges. I wanted so much to see them grow older together. They had such great love for each other, enjoyed being with each other after all those years. My sister in law Laura passed away away recently. She always said Love is Eternal. Rest in Peace Donald, You are loved and greatly missed.
– maria cottrellTo me he was the spirt of firefighting. Donald was the Captian of truck company 3 in the Nissequogue NY and a close family friend. I remember so vividly little things like him and my grandpa laughing pulling in the tanker after a call, and I’ll never forget sitting at a bench alone at the annual picnic the firist weekend in a September in 2001. Donald sat down across from me and asked me a question. He said “so are going to volunteer like your farther and grandfather.” My grandpa had just passed in January. He knew the answer, and a few days later on Thursday sept 6th instead of practicing with the company he taught me an 10 year old and my younger brother how to tie a clove hitch. Rest In Peace
– Ian GrosskopfOn Monday, September 11, 2017 I did the honorary stair climb in honor of Donald J. Burns. I did not make it all the way to 110 but I did reach 76 flights in less than 30 minutes. I am keeping his family and his friends in my prayers. Thank you for the service that he dedicated to our country.
– Corine McDowellToday in Glendale AZ I will do the 9/11 stair challenge in your honor. 9/11/18.
– Shea BassI was able to climb the steps in your honor today 9/11/18 and was able to reflect on the sacrifice you made for our country. Your heroic life will go on remembered. Looking up your name and learning about your life was dear to me as today marks a tragic day in history and it’s saddening to think of all the lives lost this day 17 years ago.
– Melissa VaqueraOn Sept 11, 2018, I had the honor to do the Denver Stair climb to honor the fallen firefighters of 9-11, with my climb honoring Assistant Chief Donald J Burns. I climbed 110 flights honoring Donald. My prayers for the family, friends, and coworkers of Donald, that his memory remains strong, and you know that he will never be forgotten. God Bless.
– Timothy TongeI never knew A.C. Burns, but this week I had the distinct honour of taking part in the 911 stair climb at FDIC in his name. Although I am not from the USA, it was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Today I climbed for A.C. Donald J. Burns. RIP brother.
– Rick GeddesIt was an honor to carry the name of Assistant Chief Donald James Burns up for the 2019 stair climb. Such a humbling and physically exerting experience it is to carry the name of a well respected leader who was had a long career doing what he loved. This love for what he dose ultimate led to his last alarm. May we “NEVER FORGET” and teach generation to come what commitment and sacrifices through all the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders that payed the ultimate cost and are to this day fighting the aftermath 18 years later with injuries, cancer, and the unseen emotional injuries.
– Rudy DelgadoMay we hold onto not the tragedy, but the love we held for each other as we all grieved all those lost.
For me this September 11 will be a day of Patriotism, thankfulness, and most importantly the love we all are capable of sharing.
I will NEVER FORGET Chief Burns.
My name is Robert Ethridge Jr. Today September 14, 2019 in Charlotte NC, I had the honor of wearing an ID card with Assistant Chief Donald J. Burns’ picture and Fireman information as I climbed 110 flights for our 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb Event. I wanted to give up multiple times, due to my mind and body hurting. But as I thought about all the firemen and other 1st responders that fought through fatigue with the motivation of saving lives, I kept going. When I finished the last stair, I cried. I then decided that I will wear his ID card every September 11th from this forward. My prayers are with his family. NEVER FORGET.
– Robert EthridgeI was just watching the 9/11 Remembrance on FB Live and heard the name Donald J. Burns. I didn’t know him but I looked him up because we share the last name. I was led to this page. My heart goes out to his family and fellow firefighters who lost so many. Rest in Peace Donald J. Burns.
– Sherry BurnsYour service and ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. It will be an example for all of us. Never to be equaled, but always to be an inspiration. With gratitude beyond words. Thank you.
– Jeff HmaraLove & support from Jodi & I and the entire Family ❤️
– Frank & Jodi Smith20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were courageous and selfless. Thank you for being a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget.
– Maria GrecoHonored to take him with me up the Duke Energy building as part of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation climb in Charlotte, NC.
– Ferd IrizarryI participated in the Ft. Myers Tunnel 2 Towers Run/Walk this morning and chose a random photo remembrance ID tag. The tag was for AC Donald Burns. When I got home, I looked him up on the internet and found the wonderful article written by his son. Thank you for letting me know what a wonderful man your father was and how he truly represents what is best about America.
– Bud UrbanCompleted a 9/11 remembrance stair climb event and received a name card representing Chief Burns. I am honored to have been able to learn more about his life and heroic sacrifice and am proud to have been able to remember him today along with his fellow FDNY firefighters and first responders. You will never be forgotten!
– Anthony