Wantagh, New York
'A Cop's Cop'
Maggie McDonnell is trying to keep Christmas normal for her two children. Their Long Island lawn is decorated in lights and they will have a tree. The tree will be decorated in red, white and blue, and Daddy's police cap will stand atop it.
Brian McDonnell was a member of the Emergency Service Unit Truck 1, stationed on East 21st Street in Manhattan. He was last seen heading into the south tower. "Brian was a cop's cop," Mrs. McDonnell said. "When people get in trouble they call the police; when the police get in trouble they call Emergency Services."
But more important to him than the job were his children, Katie, 8, and Thomas, 3. When his daughter was born, he was there in the delivery room holding his wife's hand, gently weeping.
A former Army paratrooper, Officer McDonnell, 38, was never decorated in his 15-year career because he never wrote himself up for an commendation. "He wasn't showy," his wife said. "It wasn't his nature. He just wanted to help people."
Once, he saw a little girl waving to him and the mother pulled her in the window and scolded her: "'Don't wave to him, police are bad,'" Mrs. McDonnell recalled. "It crushed him."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 15, 2001.
McDONNELL-Brian, N.Y.P.D. Police Officer. Tragically lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center disaster. Survived by his beloved wife Margaret and cherished children Katie and Thomas, dear brothers Robert and Kevin, devoted sister Alicia, and his loving mother Ann Claire. Brian was a loyal friend to many, and he will be sorely missed. His command was Emergency Service Squad #
20 years you have been gone. It was another beautiful day. We went down to Point lookout , it was so peaceful.
You are Missed everyday. I Love your Brother
Keep watch over us, till we meet again..
❤
Alicia
September 14, 2021 | NY | Family
A group of people in St. Louis Mo did March to the Arch a 21-mile memorial to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11... We carried people's badges in remembrance.... Brian Grady McDonnell is remembered... God Bless his eternal soul 9/21/21
Kimberly Wright
September 13, 2021 | Chesterfield, MO
Hard to believe it has been 17 years since Brian was taken from this earth. He was such a bright light, and our world was a better place with him in it. I think he would smile to know that that my first-born son is now a police officer. I look at Brian's picture every day, and it reminds me of his incredible strength and heroism. I will never forget. Until we meet again,
"Kate"
Kathleen McKeever Gallagher
September 11, 2018 | Schenectady, NY
I did not know brian but I did have the privilege of honoring his heroism and the sacrifices he made on sat. I climbed the stairs here in panama city with his name and picture around my neck the entire climb in honor of him.my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family..
~amber parsons ~
Panama city,fl
amber parsons
September 12, 2016 | Panama City, FL
9/11 Memorial in Charlotte, NC 2016
Abby
September 11, 2016
RIP Airborne Brother
Philip Vimini
September 11, 2015 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Thinking of you and your family today. Can't believe it's been 14 yrs. R.I.P Brian. We will never forget
Risa Capone
September 11, 2015 | Bridgeport, CT
In memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
September 28, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
Today I had the honor of carrying Brian's name up 110 flights of stairs for the Dallas 9/11 Memorial stairclimb. This is an annual event in Dallas and my second year completing it. I am an officer for Richardson PD in Texas. I plan to honor Brian and his family by carrying his name to the top every year I participate in the event. I'd like to reach out to Brian's family and friends so they know his legacy is known by many. Always remembered and never forgotten.
Michael Fitzsimmons
September 06, 2014 | Richardson, TX