New York, New York
A Family on a Motorboat
ometimes Douglas Oelschlager's consuming twin loves — his family and fighting fires — conflicted. "I used to tell him all the time to get your priorities straight," said his wife of 13 years, Suzanne. It wasn't easy.
Firefighter Oelschlager, 36, had been a volunteer fireman on Long Island for nearly two decades before joining the New York Fire Department in 2000. Over time, he learned how to balance things. "He would try to make my life easier so he could go to his meetings," Ms. Oelschlager said. He gave their daughters, Kayla and Brittany, baths and cooked dinner before his wife got home from work so he could slip away from their house in St. James, on Long Island, to Fire Department meetings at night.
He slipped away from work sometimes, too, taking his family out on the water in their 32-foot motorboat, Island Hopper, which they took to the Hamptons, the Connecticut coast and even as far as Cape Cod, with Ms. Oelschlager the first mate.
During one of their favorite vacations, they moored the boat on the New Jersey side of New York Harbor so they could soak up the view of the Manhattan skyline.
Since Sept. 11, Ms. Oelschlager has become captain of the boat and Kayla and Brittany have become the first mates.
I'm sorry I didn't get to know Firefighter Oelschlager before his untimely passing. On this terrible day I choose a life to learn about and mourn their loss of what they could have become, but also celebrate all the good they did. I'm sorry his children didn't get to know him better but they will know he was a good man. From a grateful Canadian.
Geoffrey Kirwan
September 11, 2023 | Toronto, ON | Acquaintance
Doug you are never forgotten. Today we remember you and celebrate your life, your courage, and your service to others. Thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless you family and friends with peace and comfort.
September 11, 2023 | FL
Honored to have climbed in your memory at the 9/11 stair climb this year at Lambeau field. Mark Sigmund AVFD
Mark Sigmund
September 12, 2019 | Arbor Vitae, WI
On Saturday, September 7, 2019, I will walk 110 stories in Springfield, Missouri in memory of Douglas. Before I take that walk, I want to get to know Douglas and his family. What a legacy and what a man. As my son and I were talking about the stair climb and wearing my gear or not, he said to me "mom, it doesn't matter whether or not you wear your gear, you can never carry the weight they carried that day." That speaks volumes about the lives that were consumed that day but I know those first...
Stefanie Shell
September 05, 2019 | Springfield, MO
Today, 09/11/2018, ( 17 years ...) we remember you Doug. Thank you for courage and service ... We will never forget. Wishing all the best to your family and friends. Much regards.
Tom H
September 11, 2018 | San Jose, CA
I have the privilege of wearing this "badge" with your picture and name on it today, as I climb the 110 flights of stairs. I didn't know you until today and I'll never forget you after today. A beautiful soul is not forgotten. And to live on in the hearts of others is to never die. You, sir, will live on forever.
Jennifer Brantmeier
September 16, 2017 | Green Bay, WI
Hello,
I purchased a memorial bracelet from the 911 Memorial Center with Douglas' name. I wore it today in his honor. I am keeping your family in my prayers. Tina Perry, Ohio
Tina Perry
September 11, 2017 | Pickerington, OH
You will always be remembered. Rest in Peace
Barbara Mellinger
September 11, 2017
McClenathen family
September 11, 2016