Medford, New York
Always Ready and Thinking
Water recoveries. Auto extractions. Cajoling deranged gunmen into straitjackets. Talking jilted lovers down from a ledge on the George Washington Bridge. As squad sergeant for Truck Company 2 of the Police Department's Emergency Service Unit, Michael Curtin never knew what kind of risky rescue operation he and his men might be asked to perform on any given day.
But he believed in being prepared. On Sundays or slow days, when New York residents managed to keep themselves out of mortal peril, Sergeant Curtin, 45, a former marine who served in the Gulf War, did not let his squad members just sit around. Instead, he would drill them on old skills and teach them new ones — like how to wire a police van by tapping into a telephone pole.
"If you wanted an epitome of an E cop, that would be Michael Curtin," said Robert Yaeger, an officer with Truck 2, using the police lingo for an Emergency Service Unit officer. "He was always thinking on his feet and wanted you to think on your feet, too."
Not that Sergeant Curtin was all work and no play. At the end of those Sunday morning training sessions, he would fry up an outsize Marine Corps breakfast for all: sloppy eggs, sausage and bacon seasoned with his favorite red, blue and green spices.
On Sept. 11, Sergeant Curtin, the father of three athletic teenage girls, was due back in the kitchen of his home in Medford, N.Y., again -- this time, to make a birthday dinner for his wife, Helga.
SgtMaj Curtin has a display in the National Museum of the Marine Corps. His legacy will live on forever as we continue to tell his story to visiting civilians, veterans, and future and current Marines. Semper Fi SgtMaj.
NMMC Docent
July 18, 2025 | Other
Was Michael the brother of my late father Edwin Arthur Curtin Toronto
Derek Curtin
November 26, 2024 | Edinburgh Scotland | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kayle f a 9th grader
September 11, 2023 | Other
My sincere apologies for not posting sooner Mike, I guess it took the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to highlight how fast the years go by. I knew Mike mostly thru the high school years, but I believe we crossed paths once or twice when we were at the same duty station in the Marines. When Mike was a DI he found out my younger brother Kevin was in boot camp and took the time to check in on him to be sure he was OK. I was never sure what he meant by "Check in on him" but my guess is to probably...
Mike Killeen
September 17, 2021 | Hiawassee, GA
Hard to believe 20 years have gone by. You are very much missed. I think of the good memories and the many laughs we had. I am still telling those Mike Curtin stories. God Bless The Curtin Family! Semper Fi! Brother and Good Night Chesty!
Charlie Mahatcek
September 10, 2021 | Albertson, NY | Friend
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11..
Cindy Roe
September 05, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
I remember Mike as a high school baseball teammate leaping over a fence trying to catch a home run with reckless abandon. The opposing team started to laugh, but their coach immediately scolded his players commenting on the extraordinary effort Mike displayed. At that moment I realized giving 200 percent was in Mike's blood which motivated me to exert the same effort in everything I do. Mike "The Motivator". I am proud that Mike touched my life forever. God Bless the Curtain Family!!
Geovanni Barris
September 11, 2020 | Classmate
I remember Mike as a high school baseball teammate leaping over a fence trying to catch a home run with reckless abandon. The opposing team started to laugh, but their coach immediately scolded the his players commenting on the extraordinary effort Mike displayed. At that moment I realized giving 200 percent was in Mike's blood which motivated me to exert the same effort in everything I do. Mike "The Motivator". I am proud that Mike touched my life forever. God Bless the Curtain Family!!
Geovanni Barris
September 11, 2020 | Classmate
Thought about you off and on all day yesterday. You were my son's DI at Parris Island. His name is James Beasley. I know he was thinking of you, too. Thank you for everything you did and for being such a role model for my son.
Judy Beasley
September 12, 2016 | Claxton, GA
