Lawrence, New York
A Sentimentalist
The night that Joan Jurgens met her future husband, Thomas, at a bowling alley, they sat and talked for hours. When the evening was over, she gave him her phone number on a little slip of paper.
But when he called, she was reluctant to go out. He was 19, she was 24. He told her age did not matter to him. They went out to a movie, "Murder in the First," and to dinner and sat for hours, the conversation never flagging. From then on, they were inseparable. After seven years, they married last June.
He was in the Army reserves. Every year, he went away for two weeks for training exercises. She wrote to him every day but did not send the letters because he would be home before they arrived. When he got home, he would read every one.
Four years ago, he took civil service exams to become a police officer and a court officer. He passed both. They talked it over and decided he would become a court officer. "It was supposed to be safer," she said.
Officer Jurgens, 26, who worked near the World Trade Center, was one of three court officers who disappeared while helping victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. Afterward, Mrs. Jurgens went through his papers. She found all of her old letters to him. And, in a carefully folded piece of plastic, she found two ticket stubs to "Murder in the First" and the slip of paper with her phone number.
Thomas I never knew you, but a family member married into our family (Suzanne Howlett) 30+ years ago and when ever I visit the 9/11 Healing Fields here in Tempe, AZ I always look you up so someone here in AZ is thinking of you and your heroism back on 9/11. Prayers out to your family and friends.
Kim Clay
September 08, 2023 | Phoenix, AZ
I was privileged to read your name aloud on 9/11/21. I hope that you Rest In Peace and that God blesses your family.
Jacqueline DeRosa
September 12, 2021 | NY
A great guy who had a wonderful smile. He lit up the room.
Paul & Nancy Duignan
September 12, 2018 | Bayport, NY
Sending love to your family!
Hi Jurgens family!
I am so sorry for the loss of your son/husband/brother/ friend! It devastates me!
My name is Tracy Anne Larkey and I lost my husband Robin Blair Larkey on 9/11 also. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald in the North Tower on the 105th floor! I have 3 beautiful sons! I will be reading the names this year with Thomas' sister!
Love and Prayers to you all!
Tracy Larkey
September 03, 2018 | Chatham, NJ
Tommy,
We never got to meet, but we are second cousins. Your bravery and selflessness have always been an inspiration to me, and it was because of you that I became a medic in the Army. Here we are, more than a decade and a half after that infamous day, and we still remember your sacrifice. The world would be a brighter place if only we could all be as couragous as you.
Thank you for your inspiration,
-SGT Lendl
November 05, 2016
Tommy. Its been 15 years. My life has gone on and I see your picture as that 26 year old hero who never had his chance to live his life. Only the people who chose our career understand why you had to do what you did on that day. I always carry your picture in my hat and I always feel like I have a partner and friend on every call. Always in my heart little buddy. Your never forgotten. Your friend Tim
Tim
September 10, 2016 | Manorville, NY
im a canadian teenager & my name is yasmine. I went to visit new york last summer & i saw a huge fountain with lots of names on it ,i asked who are they? my dad told me it was the people who died in semptember 11, 2001 ..then i wrote some names on my notes & now 3months later i just find out the names & search them on google. the thing is that i was very touched by the hero story of thomas! i honestly have some tears for him & his family.. he was so young & beautifully living :/! but i hope...
yasmine kb
October 27, 2014 | Montreal, QC
Happy Birthday Tommy! You are not and never will be forgtoten or loved by those who knew you. You were an extraordinary, caring human being who should have experienced many more Birthdays. We love and miss you. The Dalzells
November 30, 2012
TOMMY YOU ARE THE GREATEST AND BIGGEST HERO I`VE EVER KNOWN.MY WISH,ONE MORE DAY OF PLAYING WITH YOU AND YOUR BROTHER AT AUNT MAGARETE`S HOUSE........................RIP LOVE ALWAYS YOUR COUSIN MATTHEW KITTEL
MATTHEW kittel
October 23, 2011 | Holtsville, NY