Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

All gave some... Detective Vigiano gave all. Any officer who was shot on three different occassions, and still has the guts to run into a burning builing such as the WTC.... Is nothing short of a legend. Forget the athletes, forget the rock/pop stars, forget anyone else, this Detective is the model hero for any American who has ever raised their hand and sworn to uphold the law. God Bless Det. Vigiano, his family, and the NYPD. I will never forget.

Det. Brian Grant
New Castle County, DE

November 1, 2006

Dear Joe:
In my life time, I have had only a few people I would consider a true hero. You, and EVERY law enforcement officer who gave all they had that fateful day, ARE my hero.
Thank you for the sacrifice you so willingly made, in an effort to keep the oath we all take: to protect and serve. As our military protects the homeland abroad, we do it right here. And you did it so well. Yes, the terrorists took your life and so many others. But they will NEVER be able to take or diminish what you and so many others did. And they will NEVER overcome the lifestyle and freedoms we have built in 230 years. NEVER. All they did, was to anger those of us still here, and create a will to succeed, unmatched in human history, and continue to live the ideals of what it is to be an American.
Your actions are proof positive to all terrorists and enemies of our American way of life, all around the globe, that each of us, in particular our police officers, will do WHATEVER it takes, to protect our countrymen. You, Joe, are a shining example for others to emulate. That our job, though dangerous, is one that MUST be done with the tenacity and determination that you displayed, not only on September 11, 2001, but all through your illustrious career.
And to your family, thank you for the sacrifice that you too, have had to make. Not only in losing Joe, but his brother as well. Joe, the realization that your children now go through their life without you, and your wife alone and brokenhearted, coupled with the horror of the day, only creates steel resolve in those of us still here to carry on the work you proudly did.
Joe, I am certain that you are smiling from above, knowing that so many other lives could have been lost that day, if it were not for you and all the rest. God bless you, your family, and all our brothers who died that day. Our way of life shall live on, as will your memory. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

October 19, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Detective Joseph Vigiano and his fellow officers with the New York City Police Department and most especially to Joseph:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the fifth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. Your legacy is an amazing one. To be shot and wounded three times previously in your law enforcement career and to be so highly decorated for your prior courage is testament to your character and committment, both of which you offered again on 9/11...for your family to have lost you and your firefighter brother on that awful day is tragic beyond belief. No family should have to endure what they have endured.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Joseph gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

September 28, 2006

a hero lives forever.....

September 12, 2006

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.....

Sgt.
Niles, IL PD

September 11, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

Reading about your career even before 9-11 still makes my jaw drop. You are a legend sir. As a young nypd officer, i only hope I have half the courage you did. Semper Fidelis.

nypd

September 11, 2006

HERO! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee

July 17, 2006

Joe ,I think about you often and yesterday i was going through photo albums and saw pictures of you and Kathy from Froggy's wedding.I remember the time you and I worked together and there was that fire on Bradford St.,by Blake Ave. I was the veteran ,but I followed you into the building-not knowing you were a volunteer fireman but I knew I could never leave a brother to fend for himself.We got EPD's for that,and I laugh over our refusing to have blood-gas tests at Brookdale due to the nature of the test. When ever I visit my brother in law ,I visit you- you lay close by his grave. I remember you and Mike fondly and the dedication and example you set for those who follow you. Peace to you and your family,the officers of the 75,and every member of the NYPD-the greatest department in the world.

P.O. Mitch Launer retired
NYPD

January 31, 2006

Such a waste of life. You and all of your fellow law enforcement officers, EMS, fire dept. are the true heros of 9/11. God bless you all. You all will live forever in our thoughts, prayers, and Heaven. Rest in peace, hero!

Kevin Cannon
Brother of Keith Cannon EOW 5/4/05

May 27, 2005

Hey Joe...Miss you Buddy...You're the only reason I still go to work every day ..An awesome Cop and a Great man I will be forever proud to call you my friend and fellow Cop. Your Boys are awesome and getting so Big, i will never stop telling them stories about you and your crazy days in the 75...
Rest In Peace My Friend until We meet again.

Det. Debbie Patchen-Kuemmerer
NYPD 75 SQUAD

April 20, 2005

I learned about joe in a dvd honering him and his brouther and once i watched it he had become an insparation to me i have wanted to be a new york city cop all my life and after i watched the dvd twin towers it made me want it even more so god bless you joe and thanks.

josh slagel

March 26, 2005

WE STILL HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!!

Lisa B.
Citizen

February 27, 2005

I KNOW JOE BEFOR HE CAME ON THE JOB, AS A YOUNG VOL. FIREFIGHTER ON LI. THE ONLY THING HE KNEW WAS TO GIVE OF HIMSELF TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE CITY OF NY, I MISS YOU JOE

DET.DE CANIO(RET.)
NYPD

February 12, 2005

As one of the first responders to respond to lower Manhattan that dreadful Tues. morning, the events of that day will forever be etched in my memory. Knowing Joe "Vig" as a friend outside of the NYPD was truly the greatest reward a human being can get. For his and ALL who made the ultimate sacrifice memories simply NEVER FORGET!!

Police Officer Frank Rivera
NYPD 073 Pct.

December 8, 2004

I still to this day think of that dreadful day I sat in front of the TV right before my run. I watched in horror for hours and remember crying alot. I hit the streets only hours later and assumed my patrol duties. The most honorable thing I can remember is everyone was running away and the only ones running in was the ones in uniform. They were going to help their friends and family, and total strangers. The songs still hit the air ways and no one can ever forget your sacrifice. To you and all you brothers and sisters I salute you for you are the truest of American hero's. To the family, Thank you for your sacrifice and your courage. I can never imagine your pain, but I know I am still there. 9-11 will never be forgotten, I know cause I will never forget.God bless

American soldier
Brother in arms
Russ

PO II Russell Ward
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

August 5, 2004

A little more than 3 years has passed but my prayers are with you and your family. You gave all for your fellow man. Thank you.

DISPATCHER DEBORAH MORGAN
Md Transportation Authority

July 29, 2004

Besides being a civilian Police Officer, I am also a member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard Security Forces and served in the desert during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Detective Vigiano, I carried your ODMP Bio with me, inside my body armor, and YOU protected a brother officer for 173 days of war...... YOU are my true American HERO...... God Bless your entire family.

Patrol Officer Chris Poncia
U.S. Dept Of Defense Police Newport RI

April 24, 2004

There are but two persons who protect the sinful human race from destroying itself. One is God's Holy Spirit. The other is the Peace Officer. Without them, we would all perish at each other's hands.

You were called into this profession and our Lord and Savior has blessed you because:
According to Romans 13.1-5...
God ordains the Peace Officer’s profession.
The Peace Officer is sent by God.
The Peace Officer is vested with God's authority to enforce the law.
A Peace Officer's badge is to be honored by us, because God honors it.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for your fellow man, while serving, defending, and protecting others in your community.

Thank you for your service to America. Your efforts saved thousand that horrible day.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. You will be in our hearts forever.

September 11, 2001---Gone, but Never Forgotten.

Marti Ingle (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004

Hello, I'm a sophmore in college as a Law Enforcement major, and I came across this page in doing research for one of my classes.

Although I never knew you, I am so proud of your accomplishments.

You are the kind of police officer I can only hope to be some day.

Thank you for your courage and sacrifice.

Jennifer Morgan

January 20, 2004

it is hard to believe that it has been over 2 yrs since this awful day ....
my thoughts and prayers are still with your family

i also wanted to say thank you for your bravery and your ultimate sacrifice

i like to think that you are now a guardian angel for all of your fellow officers , both in new york and all over america

dispatcher
polk county sheriff's office, florida

December 27, 2003

I am a former MOS and cannot find the words to say how sorry I am that we have lost these great heroes. I cannot express my thanks enough for your bravery and sacrifice. My prayers are with you and all of your families and brother/sister officers......................AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

September 15, 2003

Sept. 11, 2003

Today, we remember. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.
I am just wondering if you are the one whose parents I saw on Oprah.
The father was a police chief and he had two sons, one Joe and one
John. (If I am remembering correctly. ) One was a policeman and one
was a firefighter and their parents lost both their sons that fateful day.
How tragic! May God continue to heal all those whose hearts will forever
be broken.

Lynn Kole
Washington State

September 11, 2003

On this 2nd anniversery of your death and so many others, may I extend to your family, friends and brother officers renewed condolenses. A man's legacy is mesured in part by the example he set in his lifetime. Strength and courage and a willingness to walk the point are your legacy. I hope all who remember the events of two years ago take heart and remain strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). As part of the "thin blue line" I take pride in the example that you and your brothers set 2 years ago today. May all who wear the badge continue to learn an grow as a result of the perseverance, character and the dedication you displayed that day (Romans 5:3-5). May the Good Lord grant all who remain behind comfort and peace until we stand with you in heaven.

Derek E. Clark, Lieutenant
San Diego County Sheriff's Department

September 11, 2003

I have just finished reading an account of the incident by Dennis Smith, through this I have been given a glimpse into what a fine man you and your brother must have been and how much you are missed.

To your father, who searched for you and your brother tirelessly, I say, -Bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to keep going in the presence of it-. What a brave man you are.

The Vigiano brothers will be remembered and honored always by those who knew them, and those who wish they could have.

Rest peacefully exceptionally fine brothers.