James Marcel Cartier

Dear Cartier and Farrell Family,

James’s courage and selflessness live alongside the firemen and women I see tonight and those brethren we commemorate at our simple but deeply meaningful annual gathering. The chief proudly includes James in the ceremony as I bring his beautiful picture and post side-by-side beloved images of his brave brothers in spirit.

I remember as clear as today’s sun how your family joined with mine all those years ago in WNY to wish James a safe...

This week I got to visit New York I went to the memory pools found your name gave a little rub and said a prayer I heard your brother tell your story years ago I never forgot and always knew I would find you and pay respect

Dear Cartier and Farrell Family,

After all these years, I found myself for the first time at the memorial this past Spring. Seeing all the sacred names etched into stone on a rainy day and with so many people around me, I almost turned back. The names seemed to line the circumference of the Earth. The gravitas of the moment made me breathless and in awe but in a troubling way. I said to myself, “No. You are going to move forward and locate beloved James’s tribute. It is time. You...

Another year has come and gone. Throughout the day, I have thought of you and prayed for your loved ones as they go through this day. You’re the true definition of a hero.

May God richly bless your family and loved ones on this day.

Dear Jenny and Family,

Mother Theresa's words lead me to James...
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
Among his many gifts to this world-courage, humility, strength, character-perhaps it is your beloved brother's smile that continues to be his greatest jewel to us. From the many, many precious recollections as graciously shared by you all, James’s cherished family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, it seems...

Dear Jenny and Family,

James is not forgotten. Angels navigate through this world in mysterious ways. On a daily walk through my new town, passersby tell me, “Don’t worry. Just find your way through the fire station down the block.” Well, I see this place of uncommon dedication and courage glimmer on this bright day—and as I get closer and closer, I see a man with massive hands and muscle, treating something in the distance ever so gently, then hauling the huge firehouse hose to...

Thinking of you and your entire family Jennie, especially today. I hope that somehow, you find a measure of peace and comfort. Know that you are being held in thought and heart.

Dear Jenny and Cartier and Farrell Family,

In the midst of such precarious times, I think of James's selflessness, sacrifice and heroism. Without a doubt, I believe in my heart that dear James would be at the forefront of saving lives today, this very moment, going door to door to ensure that his immediate family and neighbors and those well beyond were well taken care of and helped.

James remains for so many of us in this region, country and across the globe, a great...