Born and raised in the Bronx, Tommy Roberts, athletic and studious, with a great love for outdoor adventures from an early age, was a loving son and brother. He met the love of his life, Valery, before graduating from Lehman College with an English degree, his intention to become an educator.

Life took him down a different path, and in 1977 he joined the FDNY and served his entire career in Manhattan. He spent many years as a fireman at Ladder 34. Some of his deepest friendships and those of his family were built in that house while he raised his three daughters with his FDNY friends who became his family over time. In 1996, Tommy was promoted to lieutenant. He found a new home in Ladder 40, where his leadership and dedication to the job and his fellow FDNY led him to spend the next two decades building new friendships and becoming a father-like figure at times to men he loved as sons. Throughout his career, the brothers and sons he found within the FDNY were some of his deepest relationships that he held close until his final days.

During his career, Tommy was a proud member of his house’s softball teams. He went to every game, played whatever position he needed to, and cheered from the sidelines. He loved fishing and hunting and was also an avid runner. He even ran in two NYC marathons representing the FDNY.

During and after 9/11, he dedicated himself to the rescue and recovery efforts. Grateful to those who came to support and assist, he forged new friendships with firefighters from across the globe. Tommy understood their brotherhood was much broader than NYC and recognized that members of the FDNY needed each other both on and off the job. Upon his retirement, he chose to take a position with the peer counseling unit. He described that role as ideal. What could be better than having coffee with firemen and sharing and talking about life?

Tragically, Tommy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2008 that was attributed to the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero on 9/11. He passed away in August 2009, leaving a legacy of family and friends who miss him every day and continue to honor his memory.