Patterson, New York
Seemingly Fearless
Christopher J. Blackwell liked life on the edge.
"He was interested in anything that was dangerous," his mother, Frances Allen, said. "He was born with no sense of fear. When he was little he would swim underwater before he would swim on top of it. My other three children were a lot easier."
A fireman for 20 years, he was assigned to Rescue Company 3 in the South Bronx. He was a specialist in collapsed buildings, and gave lectures on the topic to firefighters across the country. Like many of his colleagues, he had a genetic connection to his profession: his uncle had been a captain in the New York Fire Department. His father and a grandfather were both policemen.
When he was not on the job, Firefighter Blackwell, 42, devoted his time to his wife, Jane, and their three children, Alexandra, who is 15, Ryan, 13, and Samantha, 11. "He didn't care where we were going or what we were doing," Mrs. Blackwell said. "When he wasn't working, he wanted to spend time with the family."
He had a high-risk job, but Firefighter Blackwell "wasn't reckless," his wife said. He loved doing what he did. His mother added, "He lived and died with purpose."
Chris and others who have died, are Respectfully remembered by others along with myself, each year! My Condolences to Family, Friends and Co-workers! God bless
Frank Reyes
September 21, 2021 | Aynor, SC | Friend
Thinking of your family on this 20th anniversary. Rest in Peace. You are not forgotten!
Jessica E.
September 19, 2021 | AL
Remembering Chris today, coming close to the 20th anniversary. What a great man. I am always proud to say .....he was my friend. Rest in peace Chris❤
Pege Payne
September 02, 2021 | Newtown, CT | Friend
Remembering Christopher on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021
Chris was a paramedic who moonlighted with the Ridgefield CT FD before the department went full compliment of department paramedic/firefighters. I was a volunteer EMT with Ridgefield and Chris taught me most of my skills. He is surely missed.
Joseph Adanms
August 04, 2021 | Ridgefield, CT | Coworker
EVERY Year, I try to remember Chris when WE worked together at Company " A " in New Fairfield, Connecticut. He was a Great man then, and still is a GREAT man now !! A Hero along with ALL who have lost their Lives that day in History and may God rest their souls and continue to give Peace to their Family, Friends, and others who knew them. I am a Retired Federal Officer still ( 15 + years now ) living in South Carolina !! God Bless !!
Frank Reyes
September 14, 2020 | Aynor, SC | Coworker
God Bless you will never be forgotten my friend... You friend from Ball Pond Vol. Fire Dept..
Robert Valente
September 12, 2020 | Greeneville, TN | Friend
Thinking of your family! Rest in Heaven!
Jessica E.
September 11, 2020 | AL
Rest In Peace Chris.
Mark Longo
September 11, 2020 | Classmate