Matt grew up in Maspeth‚ Queens. He graduated from Grover Cleveland High School. He met his wife Sue in 1986 and was married in January 1988. He was blessed with three sons- He became a fireman in March 1990 and he was a natural‚ he loved his job. He received the Honor Legion Medal in 2000.
I had the honor of carrying Matthew’s name and photo up Monserate Mountain in California on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Fallbrook Firefighters Association’s 8th Annual 9-11 Memorial Hill Climb. May your family and friends know that you are not forgotten, and that I will never forget those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
– Kim ParkeI am 7 years old and today I climbed my first Panama City Beach 911 Memorial Stair Climb. I was honored to carry Matthews name and photo with me. Thank you for your bravery and may god continue to bless you and your family
– CrewYesterday I had the privilege to have Matthew E Barnes up with me on competitor bib #522 at the Melbourne Firefighter stairclimb.
– Steve DuicInspired by his story, we both made the finish on the 28th floor in 6.04.985 minutes
RIP my brother
I had the honor of carrying Matthews name up 3000+ stairs in honor of 9/11 in 9/11/19. God Bless, you are not forgotten!
– Christe IrwinWhen my brother Joey Finn n Matt were walking home from school one day Joey passed out. Matt carried him all the way home. Joey died of cancer years later but Matt was always our hero from back then. They were 13 yrs old!!
– Maryann Bluszcz20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were courageous and selfless. You are a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget.
– Maria GrecoOn Saturday 9/11/2021, myself and my 8 year old son climbed 110 flights in Honor of Matthew E. Barnes in Binghamton, NY.
– Jamie RaceAs part of the 2021 CFD Recuit class.
– Andrew HawthornI carried Matthew’s name and image with me during our stair climb 9-17-2021.
Never Forget.
This guy Matthew Barnes saved my Niece and Nephew from a fire at 109th and Broadway. 375 Firefighters were there… it was March 1999. He was the first one up the ladder. My sister was screaming, “I’ve got babies.” Got that right…they were six week old twins. This guy Barnes saved my Niece and Nephew but then died on 9/11…trying to save lives like any great Firefighter would do. He was our Hero.
– john jacobsHaving a drink in your name. Thank you for your service. We have the watch.
– David KesslerToday I got to carry this man’s name in remembrance of him and for what he did. You will never be forgotten Matthew. And to your family, may God bless you and we send our love to you.
– Franklin DownsI had the honor of carrying Matthew on my first stair climb September 10th at Lambeau Field Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was a awesome experience and my first of many. You will never be forgotten.
– Tracy StabeWe lived 2 doors away from Matt & Sue and their boys when this tragedy struck. Over 20 years have passed since then but you’re still in our thoughts
– Tim CusackI had the honor to climb in the Denver Stair Climb in Matthews name today 9/11/2023, may his family know that he will always be remembered as the Hero he is and he will never be forgotten
– Jon GToday I was honored to ride in the Memory of Matthew Barnes in the 343 memorial day ride in Wilmington NC. I have his tag forever on my cut. I am also a firefighter and a member of the NC Red Knights Motorcycle Club and the NCFFF. He will never be forgotten.
– Jimmy SnavelyThis morning, I had the privilege of participating in the 9/11 Silent Walk, carrying the name of FDNY firefighter Matthew Barnes to the USS Yorktown.
Today, I walked in his honor and in memory of the 2,996 lives lost that day, as well as the countless others we continue to lose due to illness from that tragic event. We will never forget, and we will never stop speaking your names.
– PeggyroseIt was my honor to carry your name 9 stories to the top of our control tower here at MacDill AFB. I was in the fifth grade on that day, and made it home before the two towers fell. I’ll never forget the sight of those who made it out alive. Thank you for your sacrifice, it’s the reason I wear a uniform today. You will not be forgotten!
– Capt Garrison FogtmanWe climbed in Wallace, ID in honor of all those lost on September 11. I carried your tag with me the whole time. Rest well.
– Sharon GuthrieToday I’m honored to carry your name and photo Springfield MO memorial staircase climb. We just want to let you and your family know that your bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten!!
– Murali VudaMay God bless you and your family. My birthday is on 9/11 and I share your name. Thank you for your service Matthew.
– Matthew BarnesThis is the greatest person in my family. He died before me and my brother were born but we still honor him. Because of him, my family is known for his duty. We miss you, Matthew! Best Uncle EVER and may you rest in peace!
– Elizabeth J.R. BarnesI had the honor of carrying Matt’s picture in our town’s 3rd annual 9/11 Stairclimb 2026 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
– Berry JonesGod bless you Matt Barnes. #neverforgotten
I had the privilege of wearing Matthew’s badge yesterday on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. I was walking at the Red Rocks concert venue in Morrison, CO. At age 57, my goal was to complete 5 full laps around the amphitheater, but when I heard that 9 laps equals 110 stories, I changed my goal. The last two climbs up the stairs were hard for me, but my laps 8 and 9 were nothing compared to what the firefighters were doing by wearing full gear, including boots, hats and tanks. I will never forget the bravery of the firefighters that day and on the weeks/months that followed. I will keep the Barnes family in my prayers.
– Ashleigh WallaceSeptember 12, 2026 today myself and 7 year old grandson had the honor of carrying Matthews name and picture up 110 flights in Tupelo MS. I had the privilege of explain to my grandson the importance of what we were doing. May your legacy live on, you are not forgotten.
– Stan Barnett