Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaches, I find myself thinking about my biggest inspiration: my father. At the time of the attacks, my family was preparing for my second birthday party. My dad, Raymond L. Griffin III, was a firefighter with Ladder 45. When the attacks happened, he dropped everything and rushed into Manhattan.
For months afterward, he and other first responders returned for cleanup and recovery efforts, searching for their fellow firefighters. He never found anyone alive.
I was too young to understand the magnitude of what had happened or what my dad and so many other first responders experienced. But as I grew older, I began to understand how deeply that day had affected him, our family and countless others.
Throughout my childhood, he taught me not just to remember that day, but to honor the sacrifices that were made. For some households, 9/11 was a day of remembrance. In mine, it became a day of hurt, honor and pride in your community.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the emotional and physical effects the attacks left on families, especially my own. Knowing my dad lost multiple friends that day and still lives with those heartbreaking memories has made every anniversary personal.
For some people, 9/11 is a painful memory from 25 years ago. For my family, its effects continue today.
It has been more than three years since my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 World Trade Center cancer.
I was 23 when we got the news, and my heart sank. My dad is my hero, and I didn’t know how to process the possibility that the person I had always looked to for strength was facing something so frightening.
Being there for him through each step, I watched the ups and downs of his journey. He never showed fear of being sick, but pain for losing what he loved to do most – help people in fires. Despite having to retire, I’m grateful that I get to spend more time with him and make more meaningful memories together. After multiple surgeries, his scans are now clear of all cancer cells.
My dad is the bravest man I know.
His commitment to service extended far beyond Sept. 11. In addition to serving with Ladder 45 at the time of the attacks, he later served as a firefighter in Rescue 4. He was also on FEMA Task Force One and still serves as a commissioner with the Ronkonkoma Fire Department.
He devoted his life to helping others and caring for his community, and he continues to do that today.
Watching him taught me that serving a community can take many forms. It means showing up when people need you, caring about your neighbors and understanding that being part of a community comes with a responsibility to help make it stronger.
I don’t run into burning buildings like my dad did. As a journalist, I serve my community differently. I work to give people a voice and make sure readers know about the decisions, events and issues that affect them and the places they call home.
The professions may be different, but the lesson behind them is something I learned from him.
Everything I know about being part of a community began with watching my dad. Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, I’m proud to carry that lesson with me and to serve communities in my own way.
To my dad, you are more than just my father. You’re my hero.
Thank you for showing me what it truly means to care for your community and your family.
I love you, Dad.
To read more from the Herald's Remembering 9/11, 25th anniversary special section, click here.
