John‚ a 27-year old probationary firefighter‚ was a loyal and devoted son and brother. His quiet‚ friendly‚ easygoing manner made him liked by everyone he met.
John enjoyed playing the guitar and he especially liked the music of Bob Dylan and the Beatles.
Several men in his firehouse of Ladder 9 – Engine 33 told his family that John worked very hard‚ did all the right things‚ and wanted to achieve. They could tell right from the start that John would someday be a brave and courageous firefighter.
– Helen Tierney
May you rest in peace John. Your bravery and dedication will always be remembered as well as your soul. Thank you for you bravery and courage. May you never be forgotten.
– KimVery proud of you and your selfless actions on that fateful day. You gave up your life for others and for that I am forever grateful. You made a fellow Tierney (from the UK) extremely proud of your actions. Thinking of you & your lovely family x
– Bernadette TierneyI live 25 miles away from the Beatles home land & know that each of the Fab Four would be so very proud of such a selfless and dedicated person. You must make your family so proud x
– Bernadette TierneyThis year on 9/11 I did the 9/11 stair climb at Red Rocks in Colorado. Each of us had a badge with the picture and name of a fallen hero and I ran with John Patrick Tierney’s name. I want the family to know that his name was on the mind of another on 9/11/2016 and that he is remembered by those that never had the chance to know him.
– ShannaOn 9/20/17, my 11 year old daughter, born on the 5th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center made over half of her climb to the 110th floor in the Springfield Memorial Stairclimb. As she could not press forward, I picked up and carried John the rest of the way to 110. It was an honor for both of us to see that his sacrifice was remembered and honored.
– Jason EdwardsI climbed the world trade center stair climb at lake county fair grounds. John was who I was honoring. Thank you for your service and my heart goes out to his family.
– LoraleeOn 9/7/19 I attended the San Diego 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb. When I checked in, I was given the honor to proudly wear Hero Firefighter John Tierney’s on the climb. It was an emotional moment. I carried John all the way in the company of my husband, a Firefighter/Paramedic and with his department, Rialto Fire. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Never forget.
– Anita Arias PolzinI wear a MERCY band that I received in the weeks following 9-11. It is engraved with Johns name. I spent 10yrs in EMS myself and have a special place for a man I never knew. Johns sacrifice that day was nothing short of brave, honorable and selfless. I wear his name to remember his sacrifice and to honor his memory. My heart goes out to his family but want you to know he is remembered.
– Angelina cozbyWhat an incredibly brave and selfless man! I’m from the UK and we have the same surname, but not only that you look like members of my family and that really gets to me. Sacrificing your life to save others is going out like a warrior and you won’t ever be forgotten .
– Lee TierneyComing upto 20th anniversary of 9/11, you were so brave putting your life on the line to help others, such a selfless act, and will be forever remembered for it. My fathers name was also John Tierney and my brother too. Gone but never forgotten ❤ love from Scotland
– Lyndsey TierneyMy name is John Tierney ,my uncles name was John Patrick Tierney.
– TierneyA very old Irish Name,it means ‘Lord’.
My wife and myself spent a day in the Twin Towers a number of weeks before the attack.We brought out 4 kids to the sight after the attack and found John’s name on the memorial at that time.
The courage it took to go up the Towers to help people knowing that survival was unlikely is something that I could not do.
I hope his family have found peace and are proud.
Thanks to John for his bravery.
Ireland is proud.
Dear John,
I hope it’s okay I’m so informal with you. Twenty years ago you did the unimaginable. When terror had struck our land and people needed you desperately you saved as many as you could before you and our other brothers and sisters were taken from us. Tomorrow I wear your name proudly sir as we climb 110 flights in your honor. I know you are missed everyday and hopefully someday we’ll be able to earn the sacrifices you’ve made.
Forever in your debt,
– Adam VenegasElmore City #13
It’s hard to believe it’s been this long. I try to post every year but this one brings a new last name and new title as a mother. I still wear the engraved bracelet with your name and ladder truck info on it every year on this day. Thank you so much for your devoted service and dedication. I wish I could’ve known you. It’s hard to understand what things happen how they do but I have no doubt that you gained your wings and have been a constant look out for both your family and your firefighter family. Thank you isn’t even close enough. Just know that there is a stranger in Texas that holds you in her heart this day especially as well as all others. You were truly a hero!
– Shannon CovingtonOn this 20th anniversary of a day of sadness and horror for America, please take a moment to reflect and remember. This year, at my grandson Chip’s high school graduation party, I had the honor of meeting Helen Tierney, grandmother of Chip’s fellow graduate John. While we were there and talking, I found out that she had lost a son, JOHN PATRICK TIERNEY, a NYC firefighter at the World Trade Center on 9-11. I told her I would not forget him. Today I am remembering him and the other brave souls who risked their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice of behalf of others. Rest In Peace, John Patrick Tierney.
– Charlotte TragakisCharlotte Tragakis
My hometown, Cape Coral, FL honored all the Americans who lost their lives on 9/11/01 today with a ceremony placing American flags in the front lawn of City Hall with the names of the 2,977 victims. It was very beautifully done and while walking the grounds I found John’s flag and needed to look him up. Rest In Peace, Hero. You are never forgotten.
– Patrick O'BrienToday, as I participated in the 9/11 stair climb I wore a badge with your name on it. I placed you over my heart and thought of you as I climbed those stairs. You are the definition of a hero. Thank you for your bravery and courage.
– Elisa Bezerra-Elisa (AZ)
I climbed stairs today (9/12/2021) in Chattanooga for John and another John for the 6th time in the past 7 years. I consider it an honor and a privilege to do at least that small amount as a token of respect, admiration, and gratitude.
– John RowlandI represented John Patrick Tierney in Wallace, Idaho September 11, 2021. Shoshone (Idaho) Fire District #1 hosts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Wallace, Idaho has a wooden stair system that leads from downtown to the south hill residential area. Climbers make 13 circuits – the equivalent of climbing 110 flights of stairs. At the top of the route, climbers would read the bio of one of the fallen firefighters from 9/11. It is a deeply emotional experience and I’m proud to be part of this memorial.
– CRI was struck when I read the name. My great great grandfather was Patrick Tierney from Ireland. He came to America in the 1840’s.
Perhaps there is some kinship there going way back. My heart aches for your family, Patrick. Your life was cut too short. It was filled with promise. Your acts of bravery and dedication earn you a high place in Heaven.
– Diane Tierney KellyI recently participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. I had the honor to carry John with me as I climbed with my husband, who is a volunteer firefighter. May you Rest In Peace John. Your bravery and courage will always be remembered.
– Lindsey KnickerbockerMy mom did the 9/11 stair climb at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin this month and got your name. You were so brave and I am sure your family is so proud of you. God bless you. Rest in Peace <3
– Ashley LarsonI have the honor of walking for John this year. From this fIre wife Thank you sir for your sacrifice.
– JessicaHello Tierney Family – a few years ago I visited the WTC memorial site for the first time. I took a quick video and there was only one full name that I can see on the playback. It is the name of John, so I googled to see who he was. What a beautiful brave young man he was … I can’t even begin to fathom that kind of bravery and sacrifice. You must be so proud of the man he had already become, at such a young age. I am deeply sorry for your loss. 💕
– Patricia Perez9/9/2023. Today, I ran my first 5k ever which is something I never thought I would be able to do. Whenever I grabbed my registration packet this morning, the nice ladies asked me if I would like a running buddy. They pointed towards the wall behind me which had the 343 Fallen Firefighters in these clear plastic pockets that you can clip onto your shirt. I chose you. I just want to say it was an amazing honor to have you as my running buddy and most importantly, thank you.
– Alanna B