Submitted by his children
Our Dad was one of the Firemen who responded to the World Trade Center on September 11th. Our dad is actually a Fire Marshal‚ which means he investigates fires‚ but he was a Fireman before that and that day‚ he was a combination of all his talents.
He was heading towards the 74th floor of the second tower when he was separated from his supervisor‚ who went to help a woman out of the building. Our dad was in the second tower when it collapsed. He was the only Fire Marshal missing until October 23rd. They recovered his body close to one of the stairwells. He is the first Fire Marshal to be killed in the line of duty.
There is no doubt in our minds that our dad helped a number of people escape from the building. There is also no doubt in our minds our dad knew exactly what he was getting into when he entered that building. For those of you who don’t know‚ my dad was in the Army‚ working for Military Intelligence‚ and previous to that he was a Special Forces Green Beret. Between his training in the Army and the Fire Department‚ he knew what he was going into that day.
And he still went in.
My dad is a hero‚ but we knew that a long time ago. It just took a terrorist attack for it to be made publicly known. There aren’t even enough words to express how proud we are of our father or how much we miss him. Probably a lot more than anyone knows.
He was a Fireman‚ a Soldier‚ a Nurse‚ a Walking Encyclopedia of Knowledge and an Adventurer‚ but most of all‚ he was one of our Best Friends and an incredible Dad. We love him tremendously and our hearts are broken at the thought that he is not here with us‚ but that’s not entirely true.
Our dad will always be with us.
Wherever we go and whatever we do‚ he is a part of us – a legacy that we continue with pride and with honor.
And dad‚ if you happen to come across this‚ wherever you are‚ stand fast.
Submitted by his parents
Ron was a man of many accomplishments and interests. In the 47 years he was here‚ he achieved an extraordinary number of things. He excelled in‚ and was most proud of‚ his family roles.
He was a 23-year veteran of the FDNY and had served with Engine 95‚ Ladder 2‚ the Fitness Unit‚ Rescue 1‚ the FDNY Terrorist Task Force and was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1992. While a member of Rescue 1‚ in an attempt to rescue a brother firefighter‚ he fell five stories‚ severely injuring himself. Although many believed his career was over‚ he returned to full duty within a year. The men at Rescue 1 nicknamed him ‘The Flying Fireman.’
Ron served in the military for 29 years and was recently promoted to Warrant Officer in the US Army Reserve. He spent two years active duty with the 101st Airborne Division. Most of his career was with the 11th Special Forces Group and the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Military Intelligence Analyst. He was a past President of Chapter 66 Special Forces Association and a member of the American Legion.
He was a Licensed Practical Nurse and held an Associate Degree in OSHA and Fire Science from John Jay College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety from Mercy College. His hobbies included archaeology‚ travel‚ history and physical fitness.
He was an avid historian and was assisting the Fire Museum in a Zoave exhibit. He had lifelong interests in Boy Scouting and woodsmanship‚ but what he truly enjoyed was spending time with us – his family – and friends. We will miss his insatiable curiosity‚ mischievous humor‚ adventurous spirit and commitment to doing the right thing. He touched many lives and hearts and led by example. When facing the ultimate challenge he stood fast and did his duty. He will be greatly missed and loved.
What a great hero! all my repects go out for this man, maybe i can be as brave as him!
– patrick kosterWhat a true American he was. Surely he was the stuff of American heroism. Given his honorable service with the Defense Intelligence Agency, one can only wonder what his military intel senaibilities made of what he saw that day. And to go from that to a long and stellar in the FDNY, surely Ron Bucca was a man of high moral integrity, skilled and competent with the keen eye of any dedicated firefighting professional, able to recognize a wide array of ccombustible, explosive and incindiary elements like thermite and thermate, among other hazardous compounds. What an unexpected tradegy it was to lose this brave hero on that day
– christian e.g.He was a brave honorable man who will never be forgotten but be remembered as a hero for all those who he saved
– Jessie smithGod bless you sir. I climbed for you today in Richmond, VA
– John ButtrickGod Bless Ron and his family. I did the Crossfit Stair Climb workout with his name on a sash tied around my head. 660 step-ups holding a 15 pound medicine ball, with 10 clean and press every 100 step-ups. Nothing compared to what he and his
– Andrea Kfellow firefighters did that day. I love this memorial to him. The world’s loss is Heaven’s gain.
17 years later, his example of bravery, selflessness and courage still endures. I am grateful as an American for his many years of service both in our armed forces as well as the FDNY. His actions that day are a testament to all the men and women who gave their lives that day.
– James AEvery year I read up on the brave first responders. Warriors, like your dad, saved countless lifes that day answering the call.
God bless him and your family on the 18th Anniversary.
– Paul "Paulie" BonfiglioI purchased a bracelet following 9-11 to support the survivors’ fund. It came with a name randomly selected- FM Ronald P. Bucca. Every year on 9-11 when I stop to remember those lost, I say an extra prayer for Fire Marshall Bucca and his family.
I am the daughter and granddaughter of Philadelphia firefighters- I know what is like to hope every time they went out the door, they would make it home safely—but not to get the call that they weren’t coming home. God bless Fire Marshal Bucca and those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, their families and loved ones and the first responders who risk their lives everyday for us.
– Heather RedfernHis memory and the memories of all the firefighters will live on. He was a brave man. We were visiting New York and on the Sunday we went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral they were having the mass for all the firefighters and policemen. We were honored to celebrate that service with them. We know many of them also lost their lives. You can be very proud of your dad. Tom & Nancy S.
– Thomas SchiestelI been blessed by knowing the person I represented by doing the 9/11 Challenge where we climbed stairs and walked a total of 1200 steps. Absolutely not compared to the great person he was, but truly honored to represent him and I was always thinking of his sacrifice and that helped me finish the goal.
– Yuly Segoviaa really brave man got to respect his sacrifice
– frankHonored to have served at the FOB named after you, Camp Bucca. Such a hero
– KazHe will be remembered forever!! Thank you for your heroic acts sir.
– Lisa GoodeTrue hero.
– Wendy VerdinHe knew they would come back to finish the job so he knew those blue prints well.
He is a true american hero. He did what he knew he had to do for the sake of others.
Just watched a few shows on 9/11 your a true american hero. You went in knowing
– WendyRest in peace hero
I climbed for Ron on 9/11/2020 in Payson, Utah as a member of the Payson Fire Department. Such a small gesture for such a great man. May God bless his family while they are temporarily apart.
– Jake McClellanI have highlighted Ronald Bucca every year in a 9/11 memorial speech I have had the honor of presenting several times on September 11. Every year, his name is the name I listen to hear when the victims’ names are read at the memorial service in NYC. The way he lived his life, and ultimately the circumstances of his death, exemplified his tremendous devotion to duty. I will listen for his name for the rest of my life. May God hold you in his arms. One more word … HERO.
– Kathy Thompson20 years and we still remember. Your bravery is an inspiration to us all. Your actions were courageous and selfless. Thank you for being a hero in every sense of the word, we will never forget.
– Maria GrecoA true hero. His acts of bravery will not be forgotten. <3
– BrittanyI first learned of Ron while reading the book titled A Thousand Years for Revenge, I could be wrong on that, but I do believe that was where and how I learned of some of his life stories. I’m a retired Phoenix Firefighter and I hold a special place in my heart for him and all of his loved ones. While my younger sister was in New York, she told me she was going to the 9/11 Memorial and I asked her to find his name. She did and sent me a picture of it. Hold his memories in your hearts as you’ve been doing and know that I’m in Arizona doing the same. God Bless.
– TimThis poem always brought comfort to me. I hope it also comforts those who lost their families in such a tragedy.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
– Jam QuijanoI am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.
Friday April 28, 2023 I attended the FDIC Annual Memorial Stair Climb, for the 5th year. And I was honored to Climb for Marshall Bucca. I am a 3rd generation firefighter, and grateful for the ability to climb for my fallen brothers. I keep each of them close to my heart. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
– Heather Bacon