If you only met Lt. Rich Nappi once‚ you would never forget him. His leadership‚ firematic ability‚ and quick wit left an everlasting impression on everyone. Every firefighter who ever had the good fortune to spend time with Rich quickly understood the true meaning of a ‘Brother Firefighter.’
Like most firefighters‚ Rich loved ‘The Job’ and perished while leading the members of FDNY’S Engine 237 in a smoky and stubborn 3rd alarm warehouse fire on April 16‚ 2012. The only thing Rich loved more than ‘The Job’ was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Anne and father to Catherine and Nicholas. He loved to attend the kids’ sporting events and would battle rush hour in New York to ensure he would catch the last few innings of a softball or baseball game.
His introduction to the fire service began as a volunteer firefighter with the Farmingville Fire Department in Suffolk County. In 1995 and 1996 he was awarded the ‘Merit of Valor’ by the department for his dedication and skills. Rich was chosen by his fellow firefighters to lead as a lieutenant‚ and the community elected him to serve as a commissioner.
The two most important days in most lives are when you get married and the day your children are born. The third most remembered day for a firefighter is when they swear the oath to save lives and property. Rich took that oath for the Fire Department of New York in October 1994‚ and for the next 17 years he devoted his life to the fire service. After graduating from the rigorous Probationary Fire School‚ he was assigned to Engine 7 in Manhattan and later transferred to Engine 302 in Queens. With just over 10 years of experience‚ Rich was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to Engine 237 in Brooklyn.
On September 11‚ 2001‚ Rich responded from home to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. In the months after‚ Rich spent a considerable amount of time at Ground Zero and received the Survivors Medal.
Lt. Nappi understood the need for training and brought his enthusiasm for teaching to the Suffolk County Fire Academy. He was appointed as a deputy chief instructor and was recognized as Instructor of the Year in 2012. Rich was the president and founding member of the Suffolk FOOLS. As the leader of this organization‚ he laid a foundation that was dedicated to training and the brotherhood.
Lt. Nappi was a true role model. He was a man with a big heart who inspired with devotion and led with courage.
Rich , I miss you !
– Peter TomainoAnd yes , you still look like him ( old joke )
He use rent movies from me on the 80s
We went to the same high school
Miss you buddy !
– Peter TomainoCugino mio! Monteforte Irpino.
– Gregorio Basile PascaleRest in Peace my Brother in Arms, may God continue to watch over your family and the rest of my Brothers and Sisters in Arms in the FDNY and thoes serving elsewhere in and out the country.
– Anrae Godley-Cooper