Paul was a compassionate man. During our marriage we took in many foster children and adopted David‚ Gina‚ and Shannon.
Firefighting was Paul’s dream. One of his happiest days was the day he was sworn into the New York City Fire Department.
He loved soccer‚ basketball‚ playing the guitar‚ history‚ his wife Lynne‚ and children Paul‚ Danny‚ Denyse‚ David‚ Gina and Shannon. He will always be remembered for the way he would just listen and offer calm advice.
Rita Lynne Ruback
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
This website is funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any service or tools provided).
Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail, by phone or through our website.
© 2003–2024 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Today in Green Bay, Wisconsin! I climbed for your love one! I was proud to wear his badge as I climbed 110 floors! I did make it all the way without stopping because I kept looking at my badge and it pushed me!
– Madelyn HeenanPaul – Your memory was honored today as over 2000 people claimed stairs in
– Kim TeeseLambeau Field during a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. May you soar with the Angels!
My husband is a firefighter in Sacramento, ca. Each sept 11, 343 firefighters are privileged to carry the biography of a fallen firefighter of sept 11. We were lucky enough to to carry Pauls! He’s been in our thoughts and prayers all day and pray his family is well! Thank you, Paul, for your ultimate sacrifice. Because of you, many survived this horrible day. you sound like an amazing man! We will always remember you!!!
– Allison and Tracy birminghamI walked in honor of Paul this past weekend at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. He was a wonderful man I can see from your posting. I am honored to have walked for him and will keep my photo tag of him in remembrance. There isn’t a way to say thank you enough for his service and your entire family’s sacrifice, but thank you!
– Peggy BrannonJohnsonToday on the 18th anniversary of September 11, I held a small sheet of paper with Paul’s name on it. Today, at Hurlburt Field, a rememberance ceremony was held And I drew his name. I carried his name with me as I ran the memorial run after the ceremony. As I remembered where I was as I watched the towers burn and fall, I also remembered all of the bravery and compassion. I salute Paul and all of the first responders who lost their lives that day. I’ll do my part to make sure we never forget.
– GINA NUNEZHad the honor to climb for Mr. Ruback 110 flights in Iwakuni Japan. I had his photo in my hand the entire time.
– Ashley WilkersonToday, I had the honor of carrying a memorial lanyard with Paul’s picture at the New Orleans Memorial Stair Climb. I carried him in full bunker gear with airpack for a 1 mile walk of silence. And then Paul helped me climb 78 flights of stairs. The fact that Paul was 50 years old hit me hard, as I am also 50. I cannot put into words how proud I am to have shared my day with Paul. I will NEVER FORGET.
– Bobby PeoplesRuback Family,
– William CookIn honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, I dedicated this challenge to Paul Ruback from Ladder Co 25 of FDNY. I wore his picture on my lanyard today with honor and pride. It’s our duty to carry on their legacy for all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice .
William A Cook
Laveen, Az
#Neverforget #911Legacy
I had the honor of wearing Paul Ruback Lad. 25 @ a Memorial service 9/11/21 My husband Lynn.
– Ruth Stephens& I also took in MANY foster children. Thank you & I was proud to wear your badge.
To the Ruback Family,
– Bob QuackenbushToday we pay tribute to Paul as a past member and dedicated firefighter. He loved his family and his job with all his heart. May he rest in peace. We still remember this 21st Anniversary and have posted a tribute on our public sign for the week.
God bless you all and watch over you from the Cronomer Valley Fire Dept., Newburgh, NY.
I’m a firefighter in Auckland NZ and selected your late husband to climb our 9/11 memorial Skycity tower for.
– PauletteI climbed this morning in Paul’s memory. I have climbed for him before since I started in 2016 and did again this year.
May God bless those he left behind and help them to know we still climb to remember and honor them.
– LarryDear Rita,
– Kathy LeRoyToday, September 11, 2022 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, I was humbled and proud to climbed 110 flights of stairs in Paul’s honor. I can’t even begin to fathom what you and your family have gone through, but what I do know is Paul’s actions on that tragic day represent the very best of humanity. From your description of him, it’s also clear that Paul was an outstanding person both in and out of the fire station. Coming from a large family of first responders, and as the daughter of a retired firefighter, I now consider Paul part of my family. I will wear his badge every September 11th with deep reverence and thanks.
On Saturday I had the privilege to represent Paul, in the Melbourne (Australia) firefighter stair climb, Paul’s service and his story inspired me to keep pushing further. Rest easy brother, you’ll never be forgotten.
– Andrew