Brian E. Bilcher‚ 38‚ firefighter‚ FDNY‚ Squad 1. Known affectionately as Tugboat because of his girth‚ Bilcher was a 10-year FDNY veteran. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle‚ pulling practical jokes‚ and playing guard on the FDNY football team. He is survived by his wife and their young son.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
This website is funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any service or tools provided).
Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail, by phone or through our website.
© 2003–2024 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Firefighter Bilcher, last year I was honored to wear your dog tag during the 343 Memorial Ride in Wilmington NC. Yesterday I also wore one of your fellow firefighters dog tag Capt. Vincent Brunton. You are Not Forgotten… Rest in peace.
– Pam PalmerYesterday I did a memorial stair climb in Mr. Bilcher’s name. I know nothing can make up for the pain of loosing a loved one, but I hope there is some peace in knowing that Mr. Belcher was remembered as far away as Misawa Japan. Thank you for your selflessness and for your bravery.
– Jennifer LundinFirefighter Bilcher, I am honored to be representing you in the First Annual September 11 Disneyland Memorial Walk in Anaheim California this year. Thank you for you service and thank to your family for sharing you with all of us. You are NOT FORGOTTEN and your bravery will FOREVER BE REMEMBERED. God bless you and those you have left behind !!!
– Sharron HensonGod bless you…rest in peace
– Pierre OFarrellIt seems like only yesterday that you and Tina met. I will always be grateful that I was there then. In no small part, I get to do
today, what I do, because of your heroism. I’ll never forget
Peace Always…
This will be the second year I climb (CNY Stairclimb) in honor of Brian Bilcher. It is an honor to be in the brotherhood/sisterhood of one of the most humbling professions. To people who don’t know better, we fight fires and help people in need. What is unknown is the daily sweat, mental strain and the preparing that is done in order to protect and help people while putting our own lives on the line. You made the ultimate sacrifice on that day. You will never be forgotten. Your efforts will always be remembered and your legacy and heroism will live on!!
– Debbie MonaghanFirefighter Brian Bilcher, it was an honor representing you in the 15th Year Anniversary of 9/11 in Fallbrook, California this 2016 year. The Fallbrook Firefighters Association held 6th Annual Memorial Hill Climb on Monserate Mountain, representing the 110 stories climb. Your Service and Bravery will be remembered forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
– Will ShakespeareYesterday at fdic 2017 I got the honor to climb in your name. That was the best part of my first fdic experience. Being from NY it meant a lot to me. And i know nothing can make up for the lost of a loved one but I want you to know you will never be forgotten. RIP brother
– Anthony AracenaI just finished a stair climb in Brian’s name. God bless Brian and his family.
– Danny SIt is with great honor that I get to climb in the OKC stair climb in honor of Brian. It’s because of men like you that inspired me to become a Firefighter. Thank you for your sacrifice.
– CL TurnerToday September 16,2018 I climbed in your Honor at the Binghamton NY stair climb. Rest easy!!
– Kimberly AustinBrian,
Today 6-8-2019 I ran in the Tunnels to Towers 5K in McMinville TN. The organizers so thoughtfully had a roster of Firefighters lost that day, and a picture badge of each. I was fortunate to have been given yours. You joined me in the 5K, and with your grace you will be with me in every T2T run. Godspeed and Thank you for giving of yourself in a way only those close to you can understand, but we all honor.
– Jim MahoneyBrian,
– Lisa Hopman, Quincy FireDepartment, CaliforniaOn this the 18 year anniversary of 9/11, know you and the other 343 firefighters who died on that day, will never be forgotten. They are all HEROES
9/11/2019 … Old fried , still i cry 18 years on , i remember well your visit to OZ & the laughs we had & the things we talk of . hard to understand why this all happen , the lose of life on that day & the sacrifice of your own life Brian “Tugboat” has never left me, we pray this never happens again! I am far away in Australia, but the pain is still so close. My deepest respect to you Brian & to your fellow FDNY firefighters ! May they rest in peace.
– Karl McSweeney Australiafrom Karl
I use a wheelchair, but was honored to roll around Arizona Stadium today. I couldn’t climb the stairs, but I circled the stadium for a total of 6 miles in your name and rang the bell for. I will also pray for your family.
– Thom LindersBrian,
– Jessica NicholsI was handed a badge with your picture on it today, for the Memorial stair climb in Charlotte, NC. You helped me make it through. It was honor. You are not forgotten. Thank you for service and your sacrifice. I will proudly wear your badge next year as well. You are a true hero.
Brian, I promised I would never forget you. Every year on this anniversary, I Pray for your family. I had just talked with you a few days before we lost you, but I wasn’t surprised at all to find out you chose to stay and help. Your child you never got to meet can be VERY PROUD of you!!! My heart still goes out to them.
– Lorry DavisI did a stair climb today in honor of you Brian E Bilcher. I said your name out loud and rang the bell after. I thank you for your sacrifice on 9/11 . You will never be forgotten . RIP ❤️ God Bless
– MaryLou KuslerFirefighter Bilcher it was an honor to represent you today (9/9/23) at the 3rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K in McDonough, GA.
– Tiffany HudsonIn honor of your memory and role in 9/11 – I ran the 5K Tunnel to Tower Swansboro, NC 2023.
– Chris MillerI was honored to have drawn your name for the 2023 9/11 Denver memorial stair climb. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your family for your service. You will not be forgotten.
– Stacie DixMr. Bilcher, this past week I completed the 9/11 memorial stair climb in Lexington, KY. I climbed with you on my chest, brother. Rest in peace.
– Caleb HaynesMr. Bilcher, I am a longtime fan of firefighters and I am sorry that you and many other members died prematurely doing what you loved doing. You gave your life to save strangers and many folks are proud of you for your heroism. RIP, Mr. Bilcher!
– DavidI had the honor of climbing 110 floors in San Diego (08/31/2024) for Brian. He is not forgotten and we talked about him (with my co-climbers). Tears were shed as we talked about those we gave everything!
– ElaineI was honored to climb for Brian on 08/31/2024 in San Diego stair climb. My team talked about each person we climbed for. He was not forgotten.
– ELAINE CONWAY