Charles R. Mendez‚ also known as Chuck‚ was a member of FDNY Ladder Company #7 in Manhattan. He was on the job for 9 years and as all firefighters do‚ he loved his job. Chuck and I met 6 years ago and were married 2 years later. We did not have any children but were trying to start a family. Chuck was a true hero and friend and I will love him forever.
His hobbies included playing volleyball‚ skiing‚ home improvement‚ and playing with our puppy Bailey.
His body was recovered New Years Eve from the World Trade Center and he was carried out by his friends. He was my best friend and I miss him terribly.
Kerri Mendez
Right after 9.11 we went down to Long Island for Chuck Mendez’s funeral. In a crowd of hundreds of firefighters, police, friends and family, a lone police bugler stood atop a fire engine playing TAPS. As he finished a plane flew over on approach to JFK. The simultaneous gasp of the crowd left us all shocked and shaken…
– Martin BradburnI participated in my very first stair climb this year in Green Bay Wi. I had the honor of climbing for Charles. I have no words to describe the emotion of the day and the gratitude for such a brave man. I did this in tennis shoes and a tshirt alongside my husband a volunteer fireman in our home town who was in full turnout gear. These men are true american heros and i have a new found respect for all of them. God bless you and Charles
– Terri Ann Verhagen9/9/18 I ran the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5k in honor of Charles Mendez. What I great race and a great cause.
– AmandaI knew Chuck as a teenager in GB. He was always kind and funny. I am sorry for your loss. He was a great one! <3
– JuliRindo honor a Charles R. Mendez en el 19no. aniversario de su trágica muerte, rindiendo una misericordiosa labor como servidor público. Descanse en paz.
– Jesus MendezI worked with Chuck at SEB. When I heard that he got called to be a firefighter, I was thrilled for him. I knew how much he wanted that job. He was a great guy. May he rest in peace.
– Marianne HargrovePor segundo año consecutivo y en conmemoración del 20 aniversario de su partida, nunca será suficiente el reconocer su labor que perdurará para siempre. Que Descanse en Paz!
– Jesus MendezI worked with Chuck at SE Bank. He was such a gentle young man and started part time at the Manhattan firehouse. I was happy for him.
– Cece BellI had already moved to Florida when 9-11 happened. I cried like a baby, still today on 9-11.
I was friends with his mom, Doris who has since been deceased.
I didn’t know about this website until now.
It was my honor to climb for Charles and pray for his survivors this morning at the Salina KS memorial stair climb. After reading about him I knew that I had been climbing to honor a great man.
God bless
– Robert KochThanks for all you continue to do Chuck Mendez
– Nathaniel Allowed MendezJust completed my first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau in Green Bay in memory of Charles. Rang the bell at 78 floors and called out his name “Chuck” with so much appreciation for his sacrifice to help others–and the sacrifice of all those that lost their lives in service to others this day 23 years ago. Very emotional experience and humbled to be able to recognize Charles.
– Michael HookerIn honor of Charles (Chuck) Mendez today on the 23rd anniversary.
– KristenMy son who is in the AIr Force and a police officer had the honor of carrying your name on their memorial ruck this morning in full gear. Not only am I proud of him, but also proud to be the daughter of a retired firefighter. You were honored today.
Today, I had the honor of participating in the 9/11 stair climb in Pflugerville, TX, and walked in your memory. You will never be forgotten forever a hero.
– Aubriana Lacy