New York, New York
Always to the Rescue
Captain America. That's what Tina Bilcher called her husband, Brian, a firefighter at Squad Company 1 in Brooklyn.
Firefighter Bilcher, 37, was a lot like the patriotic comic book superhero: calm, reasonable, good-looking and quick to the rescue of anyone who needed help.
Car stuck on the side of the road? There was Firefighter Bilcher. Feeling sick? Like a flash, Firefighter Bilcher was at your bedside. The man liked his adrenaline rushes, said his wife. "He once jumped off a lighthouse into the ocean," said Mrs. Bilcher. He even got her to jump with him.
She says now that she did it for love -- "I wanted to impress him."
A strapping 6 feet, 240 pounds, Firefighter Bilcher was working part-time as a bouncer at Coaches Cafe in Staten Island six years ago when Tina, two weeks shy of 21, showed up. He refused to let her in. He told her to come back in two weeks. She did. They talked. They were married June 4, 2000, in Staten Island. The wedding pictures show the twin towers in the background.
Grant James Bilcher was born Aug. 29. The couple named him Grant because he was a grant from God. "Brian always wanted a boy," his wife said.
I had the honor of wearing Firefighter Bilcher’s name and photo this morning during the Tunnel to Tower 5k in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was humbling to get to help ensure his name and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Ron
August 16, 2025
I may not have met Mr. Bilcher, but I am a longtime fan of first responders and I am so sorry that he is not with us anymore. However, I am proud that he came to as many rescues as he could when he was still living. Thank you, Mr. Bilcher!
David
February 10, 2025 | Other
Happy Angel Birthday, Brian. May God continue to bless your loved ones.
Judith Cherbonneau
June 05, 2023 | Charlestown, NH | Friend
Hi there. I didn't know Brian, but I'm going to ground Zero tomorrow (for the first time) I'm from the west coast, I wanted to pay my respects. I was reading names, when Brian's name popped up. Then I realized as I read his life story, his anniversary to his wife was June 4th-- today is June 4th! Quite the coincidence. Wishing much care and well wishes to Tina and Grant.
Ashley Martin
June 04, 2023
God bless you, Brian and your family. You will never be forgotten, no matter how many years go by.
Judith Cherbonneau
September 02, 2021 | Charlestown, NH | Friend
Remembering Brian on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
I read this and think you must have been a stand up guy to turn away the pretty lady trying to get into the bar. That is a great love story, I am so sorry it was cut short. Thank you for your service!
Bee
September 15, 2020 | TEMPERANCE, MI
Thanks for your service as a first responder. Praying today for your many friends and family. With love from Texas,
Del Newberry
November 17, 2017 | Garland, TX
Thinking of you on this 14th Anniversary and am grateful to know you are resting in peace, in Heaven. My continued deepest condolences to your family and friends.
Judy Cherbonneau
September 12, 2015 | Charlestown, NH