May God bless you and your...
I am sure you are going to have a nice Christmas above us, sir...
Alex
December 09, 2025
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David J. LaForge
Port Richmond, New York
About
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Port Richmond, New York
Obituary
Send FlowersAdmired Chauffeur
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."
Guest Book
david, your sacrifice and heroism that dreadful day in NYC wasn't in vain.. rest peacefully
Alex
October 26, 2025
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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
Cara
June 11, 2023
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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
September 11, 2019
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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.
Cheryl Cartwright
February 17, 2017 | Lasalle, QC
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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.
July 17, 2015
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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.
Bev Dunning
August 16, 2014 | Tampa, FL
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In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
April 25, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
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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.
Jon Barker
October 08, 2013
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