New York, New York
Tough Guy or Pussycat?
When Billy Lake was 7 years old and it was time for dinner, his mother, Helen, always knew where to find him: at the firehouse two blocks away, where Billy would peer at the trucks and chat with the men.
"He loved to be over there," Mrs. Lake said.
On Sept. 10, Firefighter William Lake, 44, celebrated 20 years with the Fire Department. To mark the occasion, another firefighter from his company, Rescue 2, in Brooklyn, whipped up a dinner of roast beef, shrimp and chocolate mousse for everyone on duty.
Firefighter Lake had all the trappings of a tough guy: a Rescue 2 tattoo, a Harley- Davidson motorcycle, hands terribly chapped from the time he dug through concrete to rescue two laborers from a collapse at a construction site.
"If he was in the military, he'd be a marine," said Firefighter Scott Stromer, a friend. "If he was a hockey player, he'd be the goalie."
But to really know Firefighter Lake was to know his tender side: to see him dote on his son, Kyler, 7, his mother and his cat, Boxy.
"A tough guy with a cat?" Firefighter Stromer asked. "Think about it."
I never knew Billy, never met him. His wife asked me to pack his belongings before I prepared to paint the family´s new house in WestHampton. It was then I began to realize who Billy was not just to his son, but to all Americans who took time to make quilts, make mementos to say thank you. I promised to remember Billy Lake, rescue 2, Brooklyn and still do
Rory Conway
September 11, 2023 | Other
Last time I saw Billy was 1962-holding the Lead of our Basset CLEO. We driving to San Francisco Bay - I was in shock he a good Cousin understood -our Mom's both named Helen. Bye again Billy Lake from Gregory Glenn LAKE
G G Lake
September 10, 2023 | Family
Today I did the tunnel and tower race for all the firefighters that died in the line of duty from 911. We wore a picture of one who passed. I was honored to wear his picture during the race.
Jeanette Weber
February 04, 2023
Remembering Billy Lake for his courage and sacrifice. Retired TSA Explosive Detection K9 Llake celebrated his 15th birthday on 09.11.21, and represents the oldest TSA Puppy Program K9 still living. K9 Llake resides with his handler and family in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kathleen Yee
September 12, 2021 | Honolulu, HI | Friend
I am a retired Chicago Fireman and I was in New York after the 11th of September. I went to many memorials of Fire and Port Authority personnel. It's now been twenty years. I just wanted David's family to know I have worn a memorial bracelet with his full name and his Fire company on my right wrist for years. David Lake is with me everyday . I have only taken his bracelet off 4 times for surgeries.{My wife wore the bracelet until I got out of surgery} This is a sad day and for what it's...
Paul Schacherer
September 11, 2021 | Deerfield, IL | Friend
Retired TSA Explosive Detection K9 LLake, born on 09.11.2006. 13 yrs honoring his namesake. The best pup ever!!!
Retired TSA Explosive Detection K9 Llake turned 13yrs on 09.11.2006. The best pup ever!!!!
Kathleen Yee
September 26, 2019 | Honolulu, HI
I will never forget you William. Thank you for your service, and rest in peace.
Jack Smith
September 25, 2019 | Atlanta, GA
Billy--Cowboys don't stink this year.Maybe we can win another one.Miss you
Bob Lake
September 13, 2019 | NY, NY | Brother
Thinking of you Billy knowing you are with your fallen heros in heaven, thank you for being such a brave and wonderful man on that fateful day, you will never be forgotten by the Nelson Family, Thomas, Laurie, Eric Andrew and Christopher in heaven with you and all the best that have gone too young, God Rest your soul xoxo
Laurie Nelson Constantino
September 12, 2018 | Brooklyn, NY | Friend
