Today, Sept 10 2017, I climbed 110 stories in your honor in the Richmond, VA 9/11 memorial stair climb. When choosing a firefighter to climb for, I was drawn to your photo because you looked like you had the most genuine, fun-loving smile. I read about you before the climb so that I could have a better idea of who you were and properly give remembrence. Thank you so much for your sacrifice, you are remembered.

On 9/16/17 I climbed 16,000 stairs in your honor at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was honored to find out I was representing a fallen parent who not only had a job he loved but a family he loved, as well. Thank you for your years of service, and I hope your family is doing well with you watching over them.
Edgerton Fire Protection District AEMT

I was just remembering you today and how you made me laugh with your jokes well over 25 years ago. This was in Deer Park, NY when I was still dating Christopher Gleeson (now my ex-husband). I hope your family is doing well… I especially remember your younger brother that was friends with Chris’s younger brother, Mike. Rest in Peace, Mike. You are not forgotten.

Every year, I listen for you name being read and think of our family. It’s no wonder everyone remembers your smile and is drawn into your picture because of it. We sure have one heck of a fun family. Although we were closer in age to your younger brother and sister, Richie and Lisa, Brian and I were glad to have spent those summer days at your house, swimming and laughing at our cooky relatives. Aunt Alice just turned 100! We were all together and spoke of you with genuine respect. Love to Marion and the boys.

Last Saturday 9/07/19, I participated in the 9/11 Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. I had the honor of wearing your name on my turnout gear during the climb. With each step that I took I was thinking of you and all the other 343 firefighters that lost their lives that day. As my legs began to ache more and more with each step, I told myself that you didn’t stop and I kept going. I can’t imagine what must’ve been going through your minds at that time. It’s because of your sacrifices and bravery that led me to becoming a volunteer firefighter in my community. Thank you for all that you did in your time as a member of the FDNY and may we NEVER FORGET!! RIP Firefighter Michael J. Otten.

On May 15th 2021 I walked the Tunnel to Towers 5K in Jackson,Mi. I was given a lanyard with your information on it to complete the walk in your honor. My 11 month old son joined in the stroller of course. This was our 2nd Tunnel to Towers 5K, we will continue to do it every year. Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I wear a 911 Memorial Shirt today at work, here in the 911 Dispatch Center of the Anchorage Fire Department in Alaska. It has FF Michael Otten – FDNY Ladder 35 on it. I wear it with pride and thank you along with all of the members of the Emergency Services both then and now.

Drea Harding – Anchorage Fire Department – Dispatch

Today I climbed over 7500 steps at the Red Rock Amphitheater in Co. I proudly wore the picture and name of Michael on my shirt. It was seeing him smiling in the photo that kept me going. Thank you for your heroism and giving your life to save others. We will never forget you or your families sacrifice RIP Michael

You are my son’s uncle that he never got to meet. He is 28 and is a firefighter working in Enka – Cander North Carolina. I removed his badge from his truck because, we were selling his truck for him and found a picture with information about you on the back. I don’t know how long he had been carrying it. It’s overwhelming at how much you look a like. Your mother knew of my son right before she passed. She told him, he looked just like your father when he was a young man. I believe my son Christopher was 18 at the time. So you must look like your father too.
My son had a strong desire at 14 to be a firefighter and now I know why. He came from a line of firefighters from the side of his family we have never had the privilege of meeting. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you, your wife and children have made. You are your nephew’s HERO Uncle Michael! Love and Blessings to your family.

My adopted son’s name is Michael Otten; he came to the US in 2014 from Bulgaria. When I googled his name a few years ago, I came across this page and the pic is now carved in my memory.

This New Year’s Day my brother and I were trading stories of our experiences in NYC…. From CA we didn’t go often but I did 6 times in the late 90’s, saw the Towers. My brother was shocked when he made a later trip, visiting the Fire Station and seeing our “not common” surname as one of the assigned fire fighters that day. We will remember you Michael! BTW my daughter was in NYC that day, and had a flight booked to London for a modeling job the next day but the incident jacked up all air travel and the job was cancelled. She couldn’t even fly back to CA. She had to rent a car and drive back.

Today I climbed for Michael J. Otten and the rest of the fallen fire fighters at the 9/11 Fire Fighter Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was an honor and a prevelage to ring that silver bell for them.

I walked in your honor on September 11, 2024, Galax, VA with Curtis Bartlett Fitness and Galax Fire Department.