Tommy was born on March 12‚ 1964. He grew up in Seaford‚ Long Island. He graduated Seaford High School in 1982‚ where he participated in many extracurricular activities‚ most notably football. He was an exceptional student and athlete‚ earning all-league honors on the football team. Tommy attended Wagner College‚ then St. John’s University‚ playing on both schools’ football teams. Despite becoming a New York City fireman in fall of his senior year‚ Tommy continued to earn his degree in night school at St. John’s.
Tommy was a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart‚ Barbara‚ and had three daughters‚ Meaghan‚ Erin‚ and Tara. Tommy spent much of his free time with his family‚ planning vacations‚ attending sporting and school events and throwing family get-togethers.
One of Tommy’s favorite pastimes was building an elaborate Christmas village‚ complete with ceramic houses‚ hundreds of figurines and twinkling stars‚ with two trains running through it. The last piece added to the collection was a new football stadium.
Tommy continued to feed his love for the game of football by playing‚ then coaching‚ on the Department’s ‘Bravest’ football team. Tommy excelled in the Fire Department‚ moving very quickly through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief at the age of 37. Tommy spent much of his career in some of the busiest houses in the city‚ ending at Ladder 132 in Brooklyn.
On September 11‚ Tommy led his men into the South Tower of the World Trade Center and assisted in the evacuation of 25‚000 people. Despite unimaginable horror‚ Tommy diligently went about his job of saving as many lives as possible. Displaying bravery that inspired the nation‚ Tommy continued his mission until he was lost in the first collapse.
Thirty minutes later‚ Tommy’s younger brother‚ firefighter Timothy Haskell was lost in the second collapse.
I had the distinct honor to climb for Chief Haskell at the 2015 FDIC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The actions of Chief Haskell and the other firemen who responded that day had a tremendous impact on me and my newfound desire to be a part of the fire service. Although I was 14 years old at the time, I vividly remember the realization that those firefighters lived and died for a cause greater than themselves. They put the needs of others ahead of their own and willingly stood between imminent danger and the strangers they promised to protect. To me, there is not a more noble or meaningful existence than that. May Chief Haskell and his brother Timothy rest easy and never be forgotten.
– Chris B.I climbed in your remembrance today at Bay View Middle School 2016- Never Forget
– Sydney SI climbed in your remembrance today at Bay View Middle School 2016- Never Forget
– CalvinI climbed in your remembrance today at bay view middle school 2016- never forget.
– Gavin JMy name is Hudson. I’m am 13 years old and yesterday, I climbed for Thomas Haskell Jr. at Bay View Middle School. He seemed like such an honorable man and I was thankful to have the chance to climb for him. I had not fully realized the extent that 9/11 had become until yesterday. I hope you realize that I am thankful for what Mr. Haskell Jr. did for our country.
– Hudson MBearing the same last name and being the same age as Capt. Haskell is truly an honor. I don’t know if we are related, but my soul somehow is connected. Thank you for your sacrifice and service and for your ultimate, your life. Thank you, too, to his family for their sacrifice. God bless you all! ❤️
– Phyllis Haskell FloerschI ran a 5k today in rememberance of you today in West Salem, WI. I am the age now that you were when you passed away. Couldn’t be more proud to have you by my side. We won’t forget the sacrifice you made. RIP Thomas Haskell Jr.
– Sara S09/11/2018
Today, Thomas finished his climb up and down 110 stories in Kalamazoo, MI.
You have not been forgotten. Rest In Peace, brother
– RyanToday, at the 2018 3rd annual New Orleans Memorial Stair Climb, I had the honor to climb for Chief Thomas Haskell Jr. You will never be forgotten and thank you for your service brother.
– Wade Hartman09/11/2018:
– JakeTaken 110 floors to the top at the Denver 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb at the TransAmerica building.
We Climb Because You Climbed.
Gone But Not Forgotten!
I still think of Tommy and Timothy every time I drive by a firehouse. Tommy was a great teammate at SJU and is forever remembered. Continue to RIP my fellow Redman.
Mike Burrell/QB 1984-85
– Michael BurrellI bought a bracelet with Thomas Haskell Jr name on it 18 years ago in Shreveport Louisiana. I have worn it every Sept 11 since.
My prayers are with you all
– Christie RupleToday I selected your name randomly to wear at school. As a teacher it’s important to teach the next generation about 9/11 and the brave souls like you and your brother. I loved reading about how you enjoyed decorating for Christmas. I am praying for your family and friends with the 20th anniversary coming up tomorrow. I will never forget! ❤️
– Katie ThompsonI did not know you, but I read your story and just wanted to say thank you for your heroism on that sad day. The sacrifice you , your brother and thousands more made that day shows the rest of the world what a true American looks like.
– LoriDear Haskell Family
Your loved one paid the ultimate price on 9/11. He assisted in saving many lives and he should be remembered as the hero he was. All though he passed away his memory will live on in the hearts of his family the heart of this nation. Let’s hope that he or his sacrifice is never forgotten.
– Hayden FindlaySeptember 10,2022,
– N AI climbed 108 stories in your remembrance at the Strat in Las Vegas. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. Always remembered never forgotten.
I climbed for you yesterday at Werner Park 2022- Never Forget
– Landon H.Climbed at the Lambeau Field memorial stair climb for you today.
– KristinI climbed in remembrance of Captain Haskell in Green Bay, WI. Being a volunteer firefighter myself it was a honor to carry his card with me.
– Katie PI participated in this year’s 2023 Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. I climbed because Captain Haskell climbed! I had the privilege of honoring his memory and having Tom’s picture hanging from my helmet as I climbed…He was remembered and will never be forgotten!
– Jonathan Hess, Captain at Crescent Vol Fire Department, WII climbed today in your remembrance at the Springfield, MO area stair climb. We as a nation can never truly thank you and everyone else who died that day for your bravery and sacrifice. The honor today was all mine.
– Justin CI had the honor today to run in the tunnels to towers 5k inrememberance of Captain Thomas Haskell Jr. There does not seem to be enough words to thank him for his service and all the lives that he saved. It was a true honor today- never forget.
– Valerie SchorerI had the honor to run a 5K race for Thomas Haskell.
– Zach K.Rest in peace, brother.
– Randy Kaeder5-5-5-5