Gregg -Atlas-Obituary

Lt. Gregg Arthur Atlas

Howells, New York

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Howells, New York

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Hero to the End
"Everybody ran to the stairs," recalled Gregory Warnock, a 20-year-old broker trainee who worked on the 39th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center. "We started making our way down, landing by landing."

At the 18th floor, "there was an older fireman one floor below me. He gave me a smile. He was huffing and puffing, laughing to himself, making a joke about his age."

The 44-year-old lieutenant accepted Mr. Warnock's offer to help carry gear up about 25 flights of stairs, and he jokingly asked if the broker trainee was a firefighter. Told that Mr. Warnock was a broker, "he said, 'you stay doing that, it's better money.' "

"People were coming down, saying people were trapped on the 72nd floor. He said to me, 'Go down, you did a great job.' "

Before Mr. Warnock left, he asked the firefighter's name. "He was like, 'Gregg Atlas,' and he bent down and flexed like Atlas the bodybuilder."

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Dear Greg,
We never actually met. I was watching the many 9/11 films. Even in fleeting seconds—many personalities shown through. There was something I saw in your face—not fear but recognition of the impossible task at hand and as someone said to FDNY Jay Jonas—"we may not survive the day." Anyway, I said prayers for you and many others. Your phenomenal bravery and unmatched commitment brings tears to my eyes.
Yet, I had no idea your name—so, I filmed a film...

I'm from the UK, I was 31 back then and remember watching those terrible scenes of 9/11 unfold on TV here in England, my 1st thoughts were with all the 1st responders that attended (as well as those that worked in the towers) ...i have since seen documentaries post 9 /11 and stuff on Ten house ..I never knew you Gregg BUT as part of ten house you were one of the guys 1st on scene ....and along with your other firefighter brothers you will never be forgotten for your sacrifice to save as many...

“Happy Birthday in Heaven Gregg”

Joey & Denise

My Old Friend Gregg,

Here we go again. I really hate this time of the year. It brings way too much sorrow into my heart. I have something very interesting to tell you. I usually never watch anything about 911 on this week. But for some reason, I felt like I needed to watch all the documentaries about 911 I could find. I was watching, “911: One Day In America”, on the National Geographic Channel. On the first episode, at 11 minutes and 8 seconds, they were talking to a captain about...

Gregg, I was just a schoolboy in 2nd grade on that day. I still remember those horrible pictures I saw on TV that afternoon as it was yesterday. But I also remember seeing those brave firefighters risking their own lives to rescue others life. 20 years later, I still remember you and your colleagues as true heros. Your story is well known around the world and we are proud on you all.

Gregg, you will always be remembered as a hero. You are loved and missed by many. RIP

Gregg,

Here we are again. This horrible day will always burn inside of us. It’s been 20 years since you were taken. My wife was also taken last October. I used to tell her all about you, so I know she is with you and making you laugh. As I am a lot older now, it’s just a matter of time before I will meet you again. And when that day comes, my wife and I will be able to laugh and love with you.

God bless you Gregg,
Until we meet in Heaven,
Joey

Remembering Gregg on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

I simply cannot say enough about the sacrifice that so many men willingly made to save others on September 11, 2001. To say I admire them is a great understatement. I choose to never forget this day or these heroes. Gregg was one of the many that made one final act of indescribable courage and selflessness. I gather from this last recorded encounter that he was such a light, and somehow kept his kindness and sense of humor through it all. Thank you for your sacrifice, Gregg. My prayers go out...