Your purchase supports our mission to honor America’s fallen fire heroes; support their families, colleagues, and organizations; and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.
Search
Close this search box.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Marine Engineer/Firefighter
Age: 71
Year of Death: 2018

John L. Buhler

John Buhler of Floral Park, New York, was a husband, father, friend, and mentor to those who were privileged to know him. Following the attacks on the world trade center on 9/11, John and fellow emergency responders selflessly and tirelessly assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. John lost his battle with post 9/11 related illness on March 24, 2018.

John grew up in Queens, where he spent his days on the water of Jamaica Bay. He honed his mechanical skills alongside his father, a fellow FDNY marine engineer. John spent his 36-year career in service to the FDNY. He began his tenure at Ladder 31 Truck in the Bronx, moving on to 120 Truck in Brownsville, Queens, before settling down as a member of the Marine Division. John worked his way up through the ranks, from wiper to assistant marine engineer to chief marine engineer. He retired as the chief of the boat. He was an effective mentor to new arrivals, a reliable friend to fellow brothers, and a dedicated leader as union delegate and member of the pension board. John, along with the crew of the marine fireboat, Firefighter, received the rare Galant Ship Citation in recognition of their bravery, determination, and rescue efforts during the “Sea Witch” disaster in 1973. The Marine Division was a part of who he was, and he loved it! The friendships he made at the FDNY were lasting and strong. John organized luncheons and get togethers for fellow retirees to maintain communication and comradery.

John’s family meant the world to him. He leaves behind a beloved wife of 47 years, Joan; three daughters, Lisa, Amy, and Karen, and their families. His adoration for his family was second only to their admiration and adoration of him. John could always be found in the center of all the grandchildren and did everything in his power to make them smile, laugh, and be happy!

In his spare time, John was an avid reader. He could also be found tinkering with his Ham Radio and participating in a local chapter of a Ham Operator Response Team. John was very involved in his church, serving as vice president of council, chair of the property committee, as well as cooking and overseeing the monthly fellowship meal for over 100 members of the church and community.

John left a lasting impression on those who knew him, as well as those who have heard stories of him. With a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and an ability to make friends wherever he went, John leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, love, and laughter.

 

Memorial Posts

Previous
Next
Previous
Next
Previous
Next
Previous
Next

Memorial Wall

  • (will not be published)

Memorial Wall

  1. There are no memorial wall messages for this firefighter.