Vincent was born on April 12th‚ 1964.
He graduated from Xaverian High School in Brooklyn‚ New York and Marist College in Poughkeepsie‚ New York. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Rockaway Point Fire Department at age 17 and also volunteered with the Red Cross Disaster Relief Team (DART). Vinnie was a New York City Police Officer before joining the Fire Department.
He loved music and was an avid guitar player. He liked the Grateful Dead‚ the Beatles‚ Allman Brothers‚ etc.
Vinnie loved the New York culture: the museums‚ restaurants‚ concerts‚ coffee houses‚ and cultural affairs. Vinnie really loved Central Park in New York City. He enjoyed the Park concerts‚ running (road running)‚ rollerblading‚ picnics‚ etc.
He was ‘a good guy.’
I never knew Vincent Kane but he is always in my thoughts. Two years after 9/11, I purchased a 9/11 memorial bracelet. The bracelet I received had the name of Vincent Kane on it. All of these years later, I still wear it in honor of Mr. Kane and to the many others who gave their life that day.
– Kenneth MatthewsWith the 15th anniversary approaching, I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to Vincent Kane. You are not forgotten.
I did the New Hampshire 9/11 memorial stair climb in memory of Vincent D. Kane, I wore a lanyard with his picture along with 400 + people mostly firefighters from all over NH, Climbing 110 stories. I always had great respect from all the firefighters out there, but this gave me a new perspective of what they did and do! And want you all to know you’ll never be forgotten!! Thanks for all of his services, he provided! Rest in peace Vincent D Kane! God Bless!
– EllenI had the privilege and honor of climbing the Tri-Cities 9/11 memorial stair climb with brother Vincent D. Kane’s picture this year. Sept 11th, 2017. As the years continue to pass to the Fallen, and their families just know we will never forget! Josh Duncan. IAFF local 2270
– Josh DuncanDidn’t know this man but this didn’t mean he didn’t touch my heart. I seen a picture of the memorial wall and out of all the names for some reason this name stood out. Vincent D. Kane is not forgotten along with all of the other brave hero’s that lost their lives on this day.
– AineI did the 2016 Charlotte memorial 911 stair climb in honor of Vincent. I have carried his picture with me everyday to remember him and all the others that lost their lives that day. I want to thank the many people that give their life every day to protect ours. God Bless you all!
– Diane BattleDiane
Thinking of you old friend. Remembering that day. Knowing your in a better place. You are still missed here
– SeanI’m from england and I went New York on the anniversary in 2015 and took pictures of me standing nxt to the beautiful memorial and his name also stuck out and I had to google his name to put the face to the name. And he seems like a nice man all round.
– Michael BradyA couple years back I took a photo of the 9/11 memorial and was reminiscing and looking back at it. Vinny’s was the only full name that appeared in the pic so I looked him up, turns out we have the same taste in music. Rest in peace brother, much love
– JakeI went to a estate sale in Rochester New York on 9/11/2020.the gentleman hosting the sale appeared to maybe be a retired firefighter and asked to pick a badge out of a bucket and I randomly pulled Vincent Kane then asked to google him later in the day which I did. He sounds like a wonderful young man and appreciate his services and the sacrifice he made on 911. He will never be forgotten
– VictoriaI did know Vinny. He was like a little brother to me. I think that I influenced his love of music particularly the Grateful Dead. I miss him every day.
– Dan GioiaKenneth Matthews, I just read your post and was very moved by it. As one who knew Vinny Kane personally, and considered him a great friend, I want to THANK YOU, for what you have done to remember him. I can tell you that Vinny will be remembered as a loving, caring, fun, passionate and peaceful friend, who was always there for his friends, and strangers alike… which of course brought him to the Towers that day. As Vinny would always say to me, when we we parted ways (using my name of course), I will say it to you, as he would today to you… “Peace Kenneth Matthews!” Thanks again for what you have done for him.
– Pat FarleyMy father had the pleasure of working with Vinny for many years. Because of this, one of my most vivid and cherished childhood memories involved Vinny. Being the child of a firefighter doesn’t guarantee you a ride on the truck, however, I lucked out and was offered a ride when I went with my dad to pick up his paycheck one day in the early 90’s. The firemen let me pick my own seat, so I picked the seat in the middle of the truck because the seat was sort of outside and it was a beautiful day. Vinny was sitting in the same seat on the opposite side of the truck. It’s been about 30 years and I can still vividly remember looking over at Vinny standing up and looking around the city with his beautiful, long hair waving perfectly in the wind. Obviously, he wasn’t as impressed with the ride and the sirens as I was, but I could tell that he was definitely enjoying himself too. I remember thinking to myself that this man was the literal definition of cool. To say he looked like a movie star in that moment would be a gross understatement. The look of peace on his face is something I can’t describe but cherish so much because when I think of Vinny, that is exactly how I see him. Thank you, Vinny, for absolutely everything that you are and were. I will always remember you fondly, our cool hero.
– NicoleSeptember 2021
On this the 20th anniversary of 9/11, I want to HONOR Vinnie. He is a true HERO and will not be forgotten by his Firefighter family. God bless you, Vinnie
– lisa hopmanAlso accross the Atlantic we remember this day and the ones who didn’t see a new day after. Vincent Kane’s name was shown on the memorial wall and that made me wonder about the man behind the name carved in marble. He seemed like a wonderful guy whose life was cut short 20 years ago. Never got to know him but not forgotten. All the best from The Netherlands.
– RutgerI recently went to the memorial at ground zero and noticed a white rose near Vincent’s name. I wanted to put a face to a name and read his story. Just seeing his face and realising he passed to help others, it brought tears to me eyes. May his family, friends and colleagues find solace at this time.
– LaurenI didn’t know Vincent D. Kane in this life. I participated in the Colorado 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in 2019 and received a card with a photo of Vincent (Engine 22) to clip to myself as I climbed the stairs at Red Rocks to honor the bravest. As I sit here on the eve of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 I pulled out that and wanted to get to know him a bit better. Love that Vincent played guitar and had great taste in music. I too enjoy rollerblading and Central Park. Look for me holding up a peace sign to the sky when I’m there next!
– Nikki ReedI walked today on “The 9/11 stair climb tribute“ on the 20 years commemoration of the 911 attacks and I carried his photo and badge number honoring his memory and bravery on that day. Thank you Vincent for what you did on September 11 , 2001.. Your name and honor will never be forgotten!. Rest in Power
– ErickI miss you buddy. I think of you often and all crazy stuff we did as teenagers. Eat a peach.
– Daniel KilkearyGot the honor to walk Up the tower at Thule airbase to pin Vincent’s name om the honor wall.
– Kim skriverRest in peace my friend as I can’t believe it’s been 22 years.
– Scott AugenbaumI was pregnant with my son on 9/11. I knew he was a boy and I wanted to name him after a courageous fallen hero from that terrible day. We named him Kane, after finding Vincent Kane on the memorial list. My Kane is now 21 and has a wonderful zest for life and a gentle caring nature. May we never forget
– Kim annetts