Wednesday, September 11, 2008
-- WE REMEMBER . . .
DAVID PRUDENCIO LEMAGNE, a police officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was last seen helping form a human chain that was leading people out of the north tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In the final moments of his young life, he saved two fellow comrades of the PA police and a third civilian security guard. He might have saved himself, but went back to save others.
DAVID graduated as a paramedic in 1994 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Even after becoming a police officer in 2000, he continued to work as a paramedic at the New Jersey City Medical Center, simply because he loved to help people. When the attack occurred on the Twin Towers, he was told to stay put, but moments after the second plane hit, he asked to be sent to the trade towers, because of his training as a paramedic. Having aided and saved many lives in medical crisis, David understood what it meant to be of "Service."
OFFICER LEMAGNE was a notorious prankster, with an infectious grin. He loved jokes. He loved cycling, playing softball and basketball. Those who knew him best said: "I'll never forget that smile of yours or hearing you laugh."
"From time to time I still see you with your basketball, walking to the courts on 67th Street. I see your dad often, and he still cries...."
"I always looked up to you. I knew you for the brave leader you always were and the good friend everyone wishes they had."
"I don't know many people that was like you, David, kind, giving, down to earth, humble, bright, and a real good guy!"
DAVID loved dominoes games, and Bar-B-Ques, and smoking cigars. He loved hanging out at the "Spot," and throwing parties at "Topps."
David was 27 years old. He is survived by his parents, Prudencio and Ruth, and a sister, Maggie. And an entire nation, who appreciates and honors his commitment to his mission and vocation. We still cry.... To OFFICER DAVID PRUDENCIO LEMAGNE, Badge #834, we say, "Well done!"
8 comments:
Wonderful tribute Joyce. I truly believe heroes become instant angels within the gates of Heaven!
Thank you, Joyce, as so many from New Jersey died that day.
A moving tribute - only 27! So young. Such a waste. So very very sad for everyone concerned. And young lives continue to be lost in the war ; when will it stop?
You've been tagged, details on my blog! :)
Hi Joyce. Did you know him?
that wasn't supposed to be an anonymous note.
Rick, I did not know him, but I was assigned to research him for this 9-11 project two years ago, and almost feel as if I did know him. I originally wanted to write about a fireman who used to law clerk for my son in the DA's office, but someone else was already assigned to write about him.
So. Someday maybe I will meet David. And I will say, "Hey! I almost knew you!"
I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding. My escort was the groom's brother, Ray. A NY firefighter who specialized in building collapse and died on 9/11.
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