Tarel Coleman‚ 32‚ firefighter‚ FDNY‚ Squad 252. Coleman‚ who joined the FDNY in 1993‚ was nicknamed Prozac because of his intense style of play as a defensive back with the FDNY football team. A father of two‚ he also played softball for three teams and loved the Knicks and the Giants. His brother John is also a New York City firefighter.
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Tarel…you are my new Brother and Hero! I was privileged to honor you on 9/11/2015 at the Columbus Ohio stadium climb. I have just returned from Athens Greece where your picture was with me when I competed in the Veterans Wrestling World Championships…. You and I came home with the BRONZE medal! We’re third in the World!! You have been with me every day of training in preparation. Thanks for your inspiration and companionship! You will remain with me every day as we prepare to bring home the GOLD from next years World Championships in Poland!
– John TaylorJT
I did not know you personally, but I do know by your choice of occupation, and by your actions on that tragic day, that you were a man of honor, courage, and duty. As a New Yorker, I can say without doubt or hesitation that you and your brothers who died that day will never be forgotten. I hope your and their families find some peace and comfort in that truth.
– Joel
– JoeTarel,
– Amanda KesslerI was honored to wear your badge today, 9/11/2016, in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. I have never spoken to my children about 9/11, but your brave, beautiful face changed that for me today. I showed your picture to my almost 9 year old daughter, and told her a story of heroes and helpers, rather than hate. Thank you for your courage that day. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rarely, I’ve learned that you and I share a lot of common interests and I’m sure we would have been great friends. Rest easy brother and I am honored to have carried you up both towers. I wanted to do 220 floors because I wasn’t sure which tower you were on and I wanted to make sure I got it right. You are missed. Thomasville memorial stair climb.
– Zach MaxheimerYou will be well remember always respect from Rochdale Village one love brother
– Janine crossWas given your name at the 9/11 Heros Run-Dallas. You will never be forgotten.
– Charles LeeA true hero and friend. Never forgotten .
– David CherryYou were my neighbor. Continue to rest my friend.
– Kim L. WalkerI had the honor of carrying Tarel’s name and photo up Monserate Mountain in California on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Fallbrook Firefighters Association’s 8th Annual 9-11 Memorial Hill Climb. May your family and friends know that you are not forgotten, and that I will never forget those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
– Kim ParkeI was humbled and honored to climb today, September 22 2018, at beautiful Lambeau Field in Green Bay, representing Tarel. He and the family will be in our prayers and forever memorialized and thanked by my family for paying the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for the privilege. — Kathryn Rowen
– Kathryn RowenTarel I don’t know you but I’ve been carrying your name badge with me for the past three years to the 9/11 Memorial stair climb event at Lambeau Field- Green Bay WI. I feel very proud to honor your name for your heroism on that day that we will never forget. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.
– Omar DuffusSo very honored to climb in honor and memory of you and the sacrifice you made. This April will be my third climb in your honor. I was a firefighter in Mecklenburg County for almost eight years and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t remember this day. Your tag hangs in my car. Praying for your family daily. I will never forget.
– Asheley RamseurI will never forget all heros!!!
– NKAMICANIYEToday 4/12/2019 I had the honor of carrying Tarel’s name at the FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This badge will stay with me everyday on my desk and will influence me to do my job better and create software that saves firefighters lives.
– Tyler MooreI was honored to wear your badge at the 9/11 NFFF Memorial Stair Climb at Werner Park in Nebraska yesterday, 9.7.2019. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. I will keep your badge as a reminder to live life to the fullest every day, and in service to God and others, as we never know when our last will be. May God continue to comfort and bless your family.
– Elizabeth GiglioTarel, I had the honor of wearing a badge of you at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks, Colorado 2018 and 2019. I will go back every year and honor you. You are the first fallen fighter fighter I honored this way and I intend on it every year to come. Blessings to your spirit, life, and loved-ones.
– Susan BrownI will have the honor this year to carry Tarel’s name and photo with me as part of the 9/11 memorial stair climb. I cannot believe it has been 20 years. To this day I am still in awe by the selfless and heroic acts of our first responders who perished on that day trying to save as many people as they could.
– Steve CelisTarel, even though I cannot run the 40 yard dash in under 5 seconds, please know that I will take every step in your honor. May god bless you and your family.
Dear Tarel,
– Brenda MobleyThank You for your everlasting service. I worked with your wife Michellle at Birch. We were there for her and your daughter who looks like u. Her and I are girl Dads.
For Danielle she knew about your bravery and dedication. Wnat she did not know is i
always wanted to marry a firefighter.. She is now a beautiful young accomplished woman. Someone with bravery and courage. In quiet times Michelle shared how u both met at the WTC. You went back that day on your day off…looking to help. Were u also looking for her…? We took care of your mom here in Rochdale. Thank You. Love Always Ms. Brenda Mobley
You are my Hero and will always Be. Your Son Tarel Coleman Jr. is doing well and you have a granddaughter named Nyealie Gabrielle Coleman she is beautiful and looks like you and Tarel Jr. You are so missed and loved even though it’s been 20 years. I will never forget you. My tears still fall for you. I love You!!! Sleep well in Heaven My Love!!
– Tenika JimenezI was privileged to choose your name today at our Cannon AFB memorial stair climb. I prayed for you and for your family. Your courage will never be forgotten.
– Rachel RI love you all and truly wish you were here. 1/22/22
– James HutchersonI watched an episode of 911 (Lone Ranger) and started my research on Engine 252. That’s when I read about you and the other FFs who lost their lives.
– B. RobinsonThank you…thank you to all of you who made a legit sacrifice. You’ll never read this or know how much you are and were loved. However, someone will read this and know that you were.
May everyone rest easy.
Tarel, I was able to do the 9/11 memorial stair climb today in Oklahoma City to honor your ultimate sacrifice. I was nearing the end of my climb and had maybe 5 stories left when I started to get so tired my legs could barely lift my feet to next step. I looked up at the wall at the top of that flight and saw your picture. I smiled, put my hand on your picture, and thanked you. At that point I got a second wind and continued the rest of my climb without pause. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice to save those. Myself as well as our country are forever in your debt.
– Zach NugentTarel, I wore your badge today at the Red Rocks 9/11 stair climb. It was an honor. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
– MelanieR.I.P.
– B. FangmannYou are a hero with all others of the 9/11.
Bu. (Germany)
Tarel, I am honored to walk 9/11/2023 with your badge. You are a true hero and we will never forget your selflessness and brave heart. Thank you!
– Jody RicardI was given your name today for the Marietta 9/11 Memorial Climb. Never forget
– Bailey WhiteTarel Coleman, I was not fortunate enough to meet you on this Earth, but we memorialized you and I walked a lap in your honor and memory. Prayers and love sent your way and gratitude for your sacrifice for our country and the lives of others.
– Heaven Lee Anhalt