Sons follow footsteps of dad killed 9/11
Photo credit: Chris Ware | From left, Bobby, Ronnie and Tommy Gies, of Merrick, are shown at Friendship Engine and Hose Company in Merrick where their father once served. After the three brothers lost their father Ronnie E. Gies in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, they each chose to follow their fathers footsteps and become firefighters. The three brothers sit behind their fathers helmet and tools that was recovered during the search at Ground Zero. (June 23, 2011)
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Ronnie E. Gies is never far from his three boys.
He's there, in the FDNY badge number -- 11524 -- that Tommy has worn since he began training at the fire academy in 2004.
He's there in his namesake second son, Ronnie J., who wears the bunker gear their father wore as he entered the World Trade Center's south tower just before it collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.
He's there in the bracelet...
