George Tripptree was born on October 26, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1956, his family moved to Baldwin, where he grew up surrounded by a close-knit family and a deep tradition of public service. He attended Saint Christopher’s School in Baldwin and graduated from Oceanside Senior High School.

From a young age, George and his siblings admired their father, a proud battalion chief in the FDNY. Long before taking the firefighter’s exam himself, George would accompany his father to work at Battalion 59, located in the quarters of Engine 275 in Jamaica, Queens — a place that would become central to his own career.

George was appointed to the FDNY on October 14, 1978. He was assigned to Engine 275—the very same firehouse his father had retired from—where he served for nearly 15 years. He later transferred to Ladder 173 in Howard Beach, where he remained until his retirement on his birthday, October 26, 2002.

George’s dedication to the job was matched by his courage. On September 11, 2001, Ladder 173 responded to the World Trade Center. Thankfully, all members of his company survived that horrific day, and they continued to serve on the search and rescue mission for months afterward.

Firefighting ran deep in the Tripptree family. George’s grandfather drove horsedrawn fire rigs back in 1914. His father rose to the rank of battalion chief, and George was one of six firefighter brothers—George, Jimmy, Joseph, John, Thomas, and Martin. Altogether, more than 20 Tripptree family members have served in the FDNY, past and present.

George brought so much more than bravery to his work. He was known for his humor, heart, and sincerity. Whether you were a neighbor, a fellow firefighter, or just someone passing by, George had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated. He was always quick with a joke or some good-natured teasing, and he often volunteered to work on holidays so that younger firefighters could spend time with their children.

Outside of the firehouse, George loved fishing, boating, and spending time with family, especially on camping trips to Montauk, a place filled with cherished memories.

George passed away on September 23, 2022, as one of the many brave firefighters and officers who have lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses. His passing leaves a deep void, but his memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

George Tripptree will always be remembered for his service, his strength, and his spirit—a true firefighter, through and through.