New York Salutes Former LES Firefighter, Who Died in Military Copter Crash

The FDNY said goodbye yesterday to fire marshal and U.S Air Force Major Christopher “Tripp” Zanetis, who died in Iraq earlier this month. Zanetis was assigned to Engine Company 28, Ladder 11 on East Second Street before he was promoted in 2013.

A “Celebration of Life” began at the firehouse and continued to Washington Square Park. Zanetis, 37, was on leave from the fire department to attend law school. He joined the Air National Guard in 2008. He was one of seven people killed in Iraq March 15 when their military helicopter hit a power line and crashed.

Zanetis came from Indiana to New York and was living three blocks from the World Trade Center when the 9/11 arracks happened in 2001. He worked as a volunteer, and then joined the FDNY three years later.

During yesterday’s ceremony, Mayor de Blasio said of Zanetis, “He loved New York, but I can say this with assurance: New York loved him right back. New York saw greatness in him. It’s almost hard to put into words the amount of bravery, courage, belief and faith that made up this man.”

EV Grieve has photos from yesterday’s procession on East Second Street.

On Thursday, March 29, #FDNY Fire Marshal and @usairforce Major Christopher “Tripp” Zanetis was remembered with a “Celebration of Life” hosted by the FDNY and New York University. Military Funeral Honors were given in Washington Square Park by members of the U.S. Air Force before attendees moved into the Kimmel Center to pay tribute to Fire Marshal Zanetis. Fire Marshal Zanetis died on March 15 in an Air Force helicopter crash in Iraq. Fire Marshal Zanetis was on military leave from the Department, and died alongside FDNY Lt. Christopher Raguso and five other military service members, while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Fire Marshal Zanetis and Lt. Raguso were assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing at the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in New York.

A post shared by FDNY (@fdny) on Mar 29, 2018 at 3:50pm PDT