New York, New York
Holder of Heirloom
6611. That was the number of Firefighter Robert Roberts's badge. When he left the job, the badge was assigned to his brother, John. When Firefighter John Roberts left the job, No. 6611 was passed on again, this time to John Roberts's son, Michael Edward.
No. 6611 was a Roberts family heirloom by then, but Michael Edward Roberts had a habit of misplacing things. So his mother, Veronica, urged him to think about putting the badge in a vault and getting "one of those fake ones" for everyday use.
She need not have worried. In nearly four years as a firefighter, Michael Edward Roberts never lost track of that badge. He was as conscientious a recruit as Lt. Michael Bell, an officer of Engine Company 214 in Brooklyn, had ever seen.
Although Firefighter Roberts had transferred there only in March, Lieutenant Bell said, "We could tell he was going to be a star."
Being a fireman was the center of his life, but Firefighter Roberts, 31, was more than that, said his uncle, Assistant Police Chief Joseph Fox. "He had a way of popping into and out of people's lives," Chief Fox said. At times it seemed he was in two places at once because there was another firefighter — same name, same age, same background. The only time their families met was at their funerals.
Firefighter Roberts routinely volunteered to work holidays for colleagues at the firehouse who had families. And he watched out for his younger sister, Karen, always pushing her to finish college.
She will. Next month.
Michael you are never forgotten. Your life, your courage, and your service to others are remembered and honored. Thank you for your example. May the Lord provide peace and comfort to those hurting from your absence. Rest in Peace
September 11, 2023 | FL
As a fellow Roberts, I've already been in contact with the family of Firefighter Roberts. Sadly, I've lost contact with Veronica, Michael's mother. The last time we were in touch was several years ago when I informed her ghat I was planning on travelling to New York, she regretfully told me she was battling cancer. So, I hope the news isn't bad,m
Shaun Roberts
September 13, 2020 | Friend
I was his third grade teacher. He was smart and cute. i watch for his name every year. My thoughts are with the family. Susan Phillips 9/11/2020
Susan Phillips
September 11, 2020 | Teacher
Today, 09/11/2018, ( 17 years ...) we remember you Michael. 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 did not get to know you personally, but knowing you as a brother with our profession we shared I am truly honored. Your sacrifice and dedication I will Never Forget. My boys wear your shirt proudly.
Jerry JT Thomsen
September 09, 2018 | Highlands Ranch, CO | Brother
Remembered. Honored for your service, your courage, and your sacrifice. May God bless your family with peace. Memories of the mind fade, but memories forged in the heart, live eternal. Rest easy
September 11, 2017 | NC
MEET ME WHERE THE SKY TOUCHES THE SEA MICHAEL! MEET ME !!!!! LOVE MOM
veronica roberts
June 21, 2017 | Breezy Point, NY
Veronica Roberts
October 26, 2015
14 years ago, John and I picked a date at random, to have a wake and funeral mass for our son. We selected October 25 and 26 for the wake and then October 27 for the Mass at St Thomas Moore in Breezy Point. During the last night of the wake, October 26, 2001, my brother received a phone call while at Marine Park Funeral Parlor, close to nine oclock at night, that the brothers from Eng 214, Lad 111, had found Michael's body at Ground Zero!!!!! Only in...
Veronica Fox-Roberts
October 29, 2016
SeptemberI love you Lia. And I loved meeting you for the first time in my uniform, or while I was working. Your smile, and your face, and your presence made me feel so good on a very sad day, the 15th anniversary of the loss of my dear sweet nephew Michael Roberts. He loved your father and he loved in Elizabeth and he love me and he love grandma Eileen. I am writing this two days later and I am crying. You will have experience pain in life my girl. But you will experience joy also. And...
V R
September 14, 2016 | Breezy Point, NY