Greenwood Lake, New York
An Avid Outdoorsman
R
ichard Bruce Van Hine, known to all as Bruce, had been a firefighter for 12 years, most recently with Squad 41 in the South Bronx. The father of Meghan, 14, and Emily, 17, he was one of six men lost from the squad on Sept. 11.
Firefighter Van Hine, 48, had always wanted to be a firefighter, said Ann, his wife of 21 years.
"He was on the list to be a firefighter for seven years," she said. "I am a firm believer in following your dreams, so I encouraged him." But Firefighter Van Hine also loved the outdoors. Even though he took only day hikes, he had completed the New Jersey, New York and Connecticut legs of the Appalachian Trail.
A prized memory, Mrs. Van Hine said, was of a five-week camping trip the family took four years ago that included the Badlands of South Dakota, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains.
Today it was my honor to walk the Tunnel to Towers walk in Greenville SC in memory of FF Richard Van Hine.
I will keep his photo in my car and remember him and his loved ones for their ultimate sacrifice.
Never Forget!
Kathy Corbett
Kathleen Corbett
April 13, 2024 | Marrietta, SC
God Bless Bruce and his beautiful family !!! he was a brace man and so glad he will never be forgotten. Ann, you are a lovely lady and I am so glad you stayed strong and raised two beautiful girls. My thoughts and prayers will always be thinking about your family, that horrible day, and all the beautiful souls that were lost that day ...
tina hynes
September 13, 2023
Just wanted the family to know I am gene wheeler and I have been building Pierce fire trucks since 2001. I picked up Bruce’s card at our ceremony we had today on 9/11/23. I take great honor in building these fire truck for the brave men and women who risk there lives day in and day out. Please know Bruce’s card will stay in my possession till I am know longer and that he will not be forgotten. God bless you and your family. Sincerely gene wheeler still working at Pierce, Bradenton Florida
Gene Wheeler
September 11, 2023 | Palmetto, FL | Friend
Bruce was always a caring, giving , gentle person. I grew up in Rochelle Park and knew Bruce throughout grammar school and high school. It’s heartwarming to know he was happy, loved by so many , and found his passion in life. He lives on in the hearts and memories of many who’s lives he touched. Reading these notes of others it’s evident he and your family continue to touch many.
Lenore Dunn
September 11, 2021 | Classmate
Thank you for your service. I was honored to carry your badge on the Red Rocks 9/11 Stair Climb this year. In honor of the Fallen Firefighters Fund.
Lisa Sagar
September 13, 2018 | Highlands Ranch, CO
Thank you...
Brian Carruthers
September 11, 2016 | Denver, CO
Today I climb in your honor. My best goes out to you and you family, on this day of remembrance. Thank you for your service brother. From Truck 41.
Andres Refuerzo
September 11, 2014 | Federal Heights, CO
God Bless, to Bruce and the Van Hine family. Our family is thinking of you , and our prayers go out to you.
All our love,
Rich, Melissa, Reagan and Gretchen Quast
Rich Quast
September 11, 2013 | Ramsey, NJ
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends..." John 15:13 -- No higher expression of love could be given. Life is the most valuable object we possess; and, when a man is willing to lay that down for his friends or his country, it shows the utmost extent of love. That says it all.
Blessings on you and yours,
Carol DeUsanio
September 11, 2013 | South Park, PA
