New York, New York
Big-Hearted Driver
Leon Smith Jr.'s boots just might be impossible to fill. He wore the only size 15's in the Fire Department, said his mother, Irene, and he had to have them specially made, once he had attained his dream of joining the department.
Mr. Smith, 48, was the chauffeur — the driver — for Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights. "He would wash his rig every single day, and when he went off duty, he'd say, `Listen, my baby better be clean.' " Mrs. Smith said. "He called that his girlfriend."
An only child, Mr. Smith showed his compassionate side when he was just 7 or 8. His mother often took him to the zoo or a play, but just before departure time the doorbell would ring, and a few neighborhood children would be waiting to come along. They never got to go anywhere, he explained.
"He'd say, `Oh, Mama, please let them come,' " she said. "I always made sure I had extra money and extra food."
Mr. Smith, who had three daughters, was known for fixing the cars of his brothers in the firehouse, and those of their wives or girlfriends, even if the repairs came after a 24-hour shift. "I can just see you up there in heaven, with St. Peter's car on the lift, telling him it will only be a couple more minutes," a friend, Paul Geoghegan, wrote on a Web site in his memory.
I am the proud custodian of a 911 bracelet with Leon's name on it. I wear it often in Louisiana. The only way I will part with it is to give it to a dear family member. If anyone is interested please contact me. My email is [email protected]
Gerald
September 11, 2024
LEON GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN RIP
Salvatore TAORMINA
September 12, 2020 | Staten Island, NY | Friend
Dear family and friends of Leon Smith,
Leon's presence has certainly been missed by all. May your loved ones and friends all draw comfort knowing that you are at peace, longing for the day when you are reunited together.
Dee
February 28, 2019
Leon,
I participated in the CNY 911 stairclimb today in Utica, NY. I was given your name tag and walked in your memory and in honor of you. Thank you for your service and your dedication for everything you did in life. I read your biography and you were an inspiration to many! I hope your mom realizes that her goal of never letting you be forgotten has been a great success. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and in those of my family and friends. GOD BLESS you and...
Linda Williams
September 09, 2016 | Oriskany Falls, NY
Hello I am creating a tribute video in Mr. Smith's honor and was wondering if anyone could provide me with information about him. It would help me greatly and pictures would be a plus as well.
Justin Moore
May 03, 2016 | Houston, TX
Im learning about him for a class does anyone know him personally?
September 02, 2015
rest in paradise Mr.Smith
sincerely,Travaria couser from east forsyth middle in kernersville nc,wsfcs
Travaria Couser
September 11, 2014 | Winston,salem, NC
Respect
dillon fuller
May 13, 2014 | Houston, TX
Thank you for lending me your courage and strength today.
G. Bryan
February 21, 2014 | TX