John Chipura‚ 39‚ firefighter‚ FDNY‚ Engine 219. Before joining the FDNY in 1998‚ Chipura was a member of the New York Police Department for 12 years. Nicknamed Chip by fellow firefighters‚ he also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Beirut when terrorists bombed the Marine barracks there in October 1983. Chipura‚ who was not injured in the attack‚ was honorably discharged.
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I was in NSU 11 with John. He was a great guy. John was the kind of guy every parent wants their kid to grow up to be.
– Tommy MachateI just finished my first 9/11 Memorial stair climb in remembrance of John Chipura. The event was held at Lambeau Field. At the equivalent of the 78th floor of the World Trade Center towers, which is the highest floor firefighters reached on 9/11, I rang the fire bell in honor of the fallen firefighter. May his family and friends know that his sacrifice is remembered.
– DeniseI went to the police academy with john and was in his company. He showed us recruits how to properly salute. Flat straight fingers tip of finger at angle to cap and quick snap.Every time i see someone salute i think of John. Would he approve or not. I still cant do it properly. THANKS to his family and especially his parents. You did a great job.
– Chris SchwarzToday was the Philadelphia 9/11 memorial climb and I wore a badge for John Chipura. He had a very nice smile and after visiting this page, an impressive history serving his community and country. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the FDNY.
– Christina DenoThis past Tuesday, September 11, 2018 I walked in the ‘Tower challenge’ in Glendale AZ to honor those fallen heroes from 9/11.. we climbed the 2071 steps taken by the first responders. We were each given a wrist band with the name of a fallen hero, and I was given the name of John Chipura. I said a little prayer for his family and turned my thoughts towards him as I climbed. I found this page on line after the challenge (and pictures etc of him) and am in awe of his life, character and service. What an honor to have ran my steps with his name on my wrist! Blessings to his family and I feel so blessed to reflect on a real hero!
– Debbie RasmussenI went to grammar school in Brooklyn with John ,OLPH. Even at an early age John was mature and stood out. As fate would have it, my son graduated from the fire academy and is in John’s house. My son was also a police officer, like John. I told my son what a great guy he was. I am very happy my son is in John ‘s house.
– Mark caffreyI just completed my first 9/11 stair climb at Lambeau in John’s memory. I just wanted his family and friends to know that he is not forgotten.
– DAN VANDEKREEKEjohn and i were squad leaders together in proby school aug 1998, we also car pooled to the academy and fort totten which was a nightmare to get to from staten island at 4am in the morning.after proby school was done for the day we would go shopping in brooklyn for polish food and specialty items. john loved to eat and so did i,we even went to schaeffers restaurant in staten island for dinner with our families i got to meet his sister and brother gerry. great family. i will always cherished the times i spent with john. he is, because his spirit lives on one of the best friends i’ve ever had. until we meet again semper fi andy walters
– andy waltersMy Moms Best friend. I cry so much for his loss. We love him so much
– AmandaGod Bless…you died so others might live-
– Patti GoettlerNo greater gift..
God Bless and prayers for your people on this Sacred Day….
I had the privilege to do the Hero’s Challenge today in your name to honor your service and sacrifice. I do not know you, but you were with me every step of the way. Thank you for your courage and selfless act of bravery in the name of freedom. You are a true American Hero. God bless your memory. I will never forget ❤️
– Kimberly CordreyMy daughter had the honor of carrying a flag with John’s name on it for a 20th anniversary memorial ceremony at Longwood High School.
– debbieI didn’t know John— but when I registered for the 9/11 stair climb at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore this year, I picked up his photo to walk with me. It was a sad experience, much like the day itself. Overwhelming feelings of disbelief, shock, horror, anger all rushed back to me, 20 years later. But as I huffed and puffed up those 110 flights, I thought about John and wondered what kind of person he was beyond being an incredibly brave fireman- did he have kids, did he root for the Yankees or the Mets… would we be friends if I knew him now? I rang the bell and proudly said his name, John G. Chipura Engine 219. I got home later that day and searched his name and was truly humbled by the man I discovered. John made me remember- not just the day, the horrific events, the incredible sacrifices… but the people themselves – their stories, their untold stories, the details of their lives they probably never thought written. I thank John for finding me, as much as I found him.
– Leslie GriffinI had the honor of carrying John on the 21st anniversary of 9/11 during the Greenville SC memorial stair climb. I am humbled by his sacrifice. His service and memory are not forgotten. Thank you for doing what you did John Chipura.
– John kReflecting on the tragedy of 9/11 and the heroes that laid down their lives on that day and those that continue the fight or have succumbed to illness caused from that day. Of special remembrance is John G. Chipura and his loved ones who endure his sacrifice every day. I will never forget.
– Cathy Lamica WatsomIn honor of John Chipura, I completed my first 9/11 stair climb. I chose to climb for him because of his smile. This event was held in LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. During the events of 9/11 and the weeks following, my heart was poured out in prayer for the first responders, the families of those in service, and to all who were suffering due to the attacks. I have never forgotten the heroism of that day. It was a pleasure to show my most sincere appreciation to John by walking in his name.
– Talisa KippingI feel so bad for the people who died to save us.
– Kyleigh