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David LaForge Obituary
Whenever the alarm rang at the Ladder Company 20 firehouse on Lafayette Street, David J. LaForge — a big, quiet fireman with a thick mustache — always headed for the same spot: the driver's seat. Foot to the floor, corners taken with finesse, he would get everybody to the scene in no time flat. "He was like Dale Earnhardt," said Bobby Barrett, who steered the back of the company's ladder truck while Firefighter LaForge handled the front.
It was a talent that began when he was very young, pedaling a miniature fire engine around his family's home in Staten Island, and that accelerated when he got a job crisscrossing the country for North American Van Lines in one of their 18-wheel rigs. So naturally he wanted to become a driver — in Fire Department parlance, the chauffeur — when he joined the department 24 years ago.
"He liked to go fast," said his sister, Jane A. Schwerd, adding that off duty, his chariot was a black Pontiac Firebird Firehawk with a stick shift. "He would sit there and study maps of the city so he would know the way to go."
No one else in their family had been a firefighter, but the life seemed to suit her brother, who was 50 years old and lived in Staten Island. He was forever helping neighbors, an elderly uncle and others. "He was the one who everybody called upon," she said. "And he always answered the call."
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Cara
June 11, 2023
David sounds like he was a great guy! My continued condolences to his friends and family. David, thank you for your sacrifice on 9/11, you are never forgotten. Happy heavenly birthday! <3
September 11, 2019
I randomly picked Davids name out of a paper I have of all the victims of 9/11 to show to my youngest son who is 18. David touched the lives of many.....we will rejoice in heaven when we all meet again....bob miller...9/11/19
Cheryl Cartwright
February 17, 2017
I did not know David. I have no right to say I can only imagine what he so sadly went through...except to say my fiance was there and maybe had a sense of what David felt. But even that cannot express what I feel for you and your family. God love and bless you and David for eternity.
July 17, 2015
This year we honor the memory of the 343 fallen heros here in the Missouri Ozarks by climbing the stairs in Echo Hollow at Silver Dollar City. Fire, police and family all to raise awareness of that dreadful day. Firefighter Ken Null has agreed to ckimb in Davids memory. I appreciate his volunteering to do that in my absence due to my disability. God continue to bless the familes of the fallen and watch over Davids family spis my prayer.
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Bev Dunning
August 16, 2014
I visited NY and the memorial 2 weeks ago. One of my pictures captured his name. I wanted to see who he was and was taken to this site. My sympathy to his family and friends and my admiration for your loved ones bravery.
S J. Friscia III
April 25, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Jon Barker
October 8, 2013
I was given your name and picture to carry. I have learned a little bit about you. I wont forget. Your picture and name is tucked behind my shield so whenever I hop in the drivers seat, you can ride too.
Jessy Salgado
September 18, 2012
I'm enrolled in a Fire Academy at my school in Austin, Texas as a memorial for the 9/11 event, we each got a dog tag with a fallen F.F. of 9/11 and went up stairs with water hose in our shoulder in full PPE gear. The name I got was David J. LaForge. During my research i found that he was a great F.F. we lost.
R.I.P Mr. LaForge Gone but Never Forgotten, Thank You for your service
Patti Elliott
September 11, 2012
I was honored to wear your picture as I participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5K in Wake Forest, NC, on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Your sacrifice will NOT be forgotten!
Emmalee Zimmerman
July 19, 2012
Hi, My name is Emmalee and I took part of a 9-11 climb. I cared Firefighter David La Forge picture. I was happy and excited to do this and keep his memory alive.
Caroline Johnson
July 4, 2012
I touched David LaForge 's name at the memorial this week and I want to express my deep gratitude for his sacrifice .
Steve Mandy
September 12, 2011
When people ask, who is my hero, I reply: In my life, it wasn't a sports legend, Mickey Mantle or my favorite player Nellie Fox. It wasn't the person who shaped my political mind, President Kennedy or the adventurer in me, John Glenn. My hero is my ex-brother-in-law's cousin, David LaForge. When my hero, David Laforge of NYFD, Ladder Company 20, was seen last, he
was on the 35th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center, helping others get to safety. I wear Dave's name on my wrist every day. God
Bless you David, and all the others lost ten years ago today,and all
those lost since, defending our freedom and our way of life. May we
never forget.
michael zukowski
September 11, 2011
LaForge family,
My name is Michael Zukowski and I'm and Engineer with Castle ROck Fire Department in Colorado. Several years ago we started a memorial stair climb in Denver. We climb a building in Denver that is 55 stories and we do it twice to equal the 110 floors of the WTC. When we enter lobby control we are issued an ID of one of the fallen 343. This year I was issued Larry. I carried him with pride and honor. I just wanted to let you know that he will now be carried every year that I do this. Every member that I'm issued is carried in the next years climb. I was honored to carry Larry and remember him on this day. I will never forget him. IF you wish to contact me you may.
Thankyou
Larry LaForge
April 19, 2011
A decade later we still miss the fallen hero's. As a firefighter David knew the danger he faced daily. I continue to pray for his family, lest we never forget the heros.
April 5, 2011
my love goes to you your family and your brothers. you have a lovely smile that shines through us all.r i p love
sammy
February 15, 2011
hi david you are never forgotten sweetheart. none of you wonderful brothers are. you are so loved and missed by everyone.
January 31, 2011
r.i.p.david. never forgotten
Larry LaForge
March 21, 2010
We shall never forget this brother. There is not a day that I'm not reminded of that day. I pray that God is protecting and watching over his family.
Larry LaForge
Board of Directors Nixa Fire Dist.
Nixa MO
Jeff Bellinghausen
September 12, 2009
I just completed a stair climb in honor of the WTC firefighters hosted by the Seattle Fire Department of 110 floors with a photo of David on my back. It was an honor.
Larry LaForge
March 5, 2007
Here it is almost seven year and I am proud to say that he is and the others are still missed. I pray for his family and all those that were murdered that day. God bless and keep his family. I never new him but I feel I did .
P Tabbernor
November 30, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
MIKE MALONE
September 8, 2004
I WAS ASSIGNED THE HONOR TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON DAVID LAFORGE AND SHARE IT WITH MY OTHER RECRUITS AT THE NASHVILLE FIRE TRAINING ACADEMY. THIS ALONG WITH MY TOUR IN AFGHANISTAN, AS A MARINE DURING 9/11 HAS GIVEN ME A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON FREEDOM AND THE HERO'S WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO PROTECTING IT'S VALUE. GOD BLESS!
Elizabeth Laforge
May 24, 2004
I did not know you, but also share your last name, I lost a friend in the towers & 1 on the plane. I'm a big Earnhardt fan so I find it ironic that you were compared to him. you are in my prayers, as are all who were affected on that dreadful day. GOD BLESS
September 11, 2003
God bless your family with long and fond memories of you, David. Rest in Peace David.
Jane La Forge-Schwerd
May 5, 2003
Hi,
My name is Jane Schwerd and I'm Dave La Forge's sister. I want to thank all of you for writing, you have no idea how much it helps. My family has experienced the worst of mankind, but since 9/11, we've also experienced the best of mankind. It has been an amazing outpouring of compassion; letters, poems, books, drawings, scuptures, quilts, I could go on and on. My Mom often waits for me to come down (I live about 4 1/2 hours north of her) and we open the boxes from the Fire Department together. It's an emotional experience as we read or marvel over the beauty of the artwork or the amazingly perceptive words of young children.
We miss Dave terribly, but knowing that there are so many out there who have his name on a mercy band (I have one too!) is really special. He was a wonderful guy who's job as a fire fighter really fit his personality. He was a strong, caring man and a hero to us, long before 9/11. Dave loved driving Ladder 20, he cared for his Ladder 20 family and he cared about doing the job right. We are very proud of him and of all the guys at Ladder 20. Six other brave men from his company died on 9/11. Those who are still there have been wonderful. They've all gone through so much, but they are always checking in to make sure we're OK, they are always there when we need them. We've gained a new family!
Thank you again for caring.
Love, Jane
Michael Large
April 28, 2003
I wear that Mercy Band today and it has David's name on it. From reading all the articles and notes about him....he seems like a loving and caring person. I am also a firefighter and wear this band with pride. I give my heart to all my fellow brothers and families who lost their lives and loved ones that horrible day.
Your fellow brother,
Michael Large
Stephanie Higgins
July 27, 2002
I've been wearing David's mercy band bracelet for about 4 months. I never knew him, but many people at my church did. I remember him and his family always in my prayers. God Bless you, David. God Bless your family and friends always. Stephanie Higgins and family.
Michael Iezzi
June 10, 2002
Father we entrust our brother David to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Angie Campbell
May 3, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Jim Wardle
April 18, 2002
David Laforge owned a home across the street from me in Island Heights, NJ. I believe his intent was to live there when he retired. I never met him as he would only occasionally visit his property to check on it. I was on the 72nd floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center during the attack on September 11, 2001. I owe my life to him and the other rescue workers who helped us to safety on that day. As I walk past his house each day with my dog, the leaves piled high in his yard during the autumn of 2001, I am reminded of his life's work. He was successful in life...because I am alive.
Larry LaForge
April 5, 2002
My heart goes out to the family and friends of David. I never knew you but we share the same last name and the the same love to serve humanity. God Speed, David. May God keep you and may he watch over your loved ones as they move on.
Sharon Sanders
April 3, 2002
I just received my Mercy BAND with David's name today. I was a friend of David's and his family, and take comfort in the thought that he is now in heaven and he gave his life doing what he loved doing as well as doing something that he always wanted to do all of his life. He was a very special person, and we all miss him very much.
February 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HERO FIREMAN..DAVID LAFORGE..MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND ALL FIREMEN ...MAY JESUS AND THE BIBICAL DAVID GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Morgan Myer
January 2, 2002
To whom it may concern,
I went shopping this morning and i was so lucky to bring home a mercy band bearing the name of David LaForge. I felt sad knowing that this bracelet represents a human soul and life. I am proud of my Mercy bands and i wear them every day! By the way if you have a extra few minutes please sign a hero's guestbook by the name of John Marshall. THankyou and may god bless!
- morgan myer age 12
Carissa Piper
December 29, 2001
To Family and Friends of David,
I didn't know David, I was very fortunate to get David's name on my Mercy Bracelet. I look at it everyday and think about how this man gave up his life for his country. The bracelet helps me to pray for you, his family and friends. I pray that God will be with you and give you strength and courage. I'll continue to pray for you. Maybe a lot of people didn't know David, but he is a hero to me.
Carissa Age 12
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of David. We thank him for the courage, strength, and love that he gave everytime he was called out to help someone. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. May his courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those who were touched by his life. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 24, 2001
Dear David,
On September 11, you made the ultimate sacrifice. On that day the sky was crystal clear and so very blue. I believe that was so when you went to Heaven to get your Angel wings, your trip would be speedy and pleasant.
I believe you now live with God in Heaven because that is where Angels live.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, the loved ones you left behind, and your fellow firefighters who perished and those who survived.
Heroes one and all...God Bless you and may God care for you all in his warm and tender embrace.
Rest In Peace!
Sharleen Annese
December 11, 2001
I am wearing a Mercy Band with the name David LaForge imprinted on it. It is a name I never knew, a man I never met. But today he has made a difference in my life because he gave his so freely. I pray his family will find comfort and their grief turned to joy. I pray I shall see David in heaven some day. I am proud and honored to wear his name.
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