Sparkill, New York
The Man Who Did It All
There wasn't much that Dennis P. McHugh, 34, couldn't do. He ran the New York City Marathon, played Gaelic football, married the beautiful Una Hinchcliffe and became the proud father of Chloe, 5, and Sophie and Joseph, who both turned 1 last week. When he became a firefighter with Ladder Company 13 three years ago, "he was about as perfect as you can get," said his friend Chris Gainer, who graduated from the Fire Academy with him and, in longstanding firehouse tradition, became "the bad probie" while Mr. McHugh was "the good probie."
On summer mornings at the family place in Montauk, Mr. McHugh's brothers-in-law would wake up and rush to the window, "to see if he'd done all the chores," said Rob Hinchcliffe. "By the time we'd woken up at 11 o'clock, this guy had already painted the house and mowed the lawn. It was an ongoing joke. Dennis always made us look bad as sons."
For the twins' birthday, Mrs. McHugh asked everyone in the family to write down their memories of her husband. She has created a Web site, www.nyfdwidows.net, listing information about books and other ways to cope with loss, as another tribute to him. "He was always so optimistic," she said. "He always saw the glass as half full."
Dear family of Dennis McHugh, I have never met you or "OUR HERO" Dennis. My church assigned Bible verses to each HERO´s names and I have kept this paper in my Bible. I have been praying for him and his family ever since. Habakkuk 3:17-19 Thankful for Dennis and all those who served and are still serving. God Bless. We will never forget. Linda Fleming
Linda Fleming
August 06, 2022 | Other
I'm a firefighter in the city of colonial heights in the state of Virginia. Every year in Richmond VA we do a memorial stair climb for the remembrance of all of our firefighters who perished on this day. I looked at a table of all the photos and names of the firemen just before the stair climb began. Each person who climbs, will do so for each and every firefighter. I had the honor of climbing all 110 stories for Dennis P. McHugh. I made it to the top in full gear with many of my brothers by...
Zachary Albiston
September 11, 2018 | Colonial Heights, VA
Today, 09/11/2017, we remember you Dennis. Thank you for your service. To Dennis's family members .. Share some of Dennis's special characteristics thru your actions. All the best, with much regards.
Tom H
September 11, 2017 | San Jose, CA
I received a Dennis McHugh Foundation t-shirt from my (new) son-in-law, Harry Callahan, in the mail today. I am wearing it as I type this. Harry's Dad, Capt. Frank Callahan died in the North Tower collapse. Your family has my sincerest blessings. I will honor this shirt in Dennis's memory. God Bless you all.
David Colvin
May 12, 2015 | San Antonio, TX
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
October 17, 2014 | Staten Island, NY
My thoughts and prayers are with your family this anniversary. I always think of you Una and what your husbands' sacrifice meant to me and my family. I have a brother who is NYPD and Nassau Cnty PD and I am so proud of them both. Hope your heart is light and you have laughter always to carry you through these memorial days. God Bless.
Franny Gallagher-Danaher
September 11, 2014 | New Canaan, CT
Never forgotten!
Dawn Stanko
September 11, 2011 | Clifford, MI
To the wife and family of Dennis, your loss was a great loss to this country. Men like Dennis are what makes this country strong! I can only imagine the pain and loss to you and your family, but take comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved. I, like so many are grieving with all of you. I will wear my braclet with Dennis's name on it as a constant reminder of that day, as well as a reminder to push myself to be a better man and help those in need. May god bless your family, Dennis and...
Brad McHugh
September 07, 2009 | Largo, FL
Today, September 9th I just rode in a remembrance rally for victims of 911. You could pick a picture of a fire fighter or policemen who died in 911 and I chose Dennis. This is the 2nd year I rode in such a ride and it is very emotional. I am in Knoxville, TN
Janice Perkins
September 09, 2007 | Seymour, TN