Harold McNeil
FDNY-EMS
New York, New York
Harold McNeil joined the New York City Emergency Medical Service in 1975 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. Working the streets in the “War Days,” Harold quickly gained a reputation for being a “go-to guy”. As a Lieutenant, Harold earned the respect of his peers and subordinates for being a true gentleman and a fair officer who put the concerns of his employees before his own. Like many of his coworkers, Harold responded to and spent countless hours at the World Trade Center following the attacks on September 11, 2001.
His employees recall that, after the attacks on 9/11, the department was handing out medals to the employees. On payday, without fanfare, he felt the honor deserved so he organized a formal award ceremony at his station. Many say, “He didn’t work at station 31. He WAS Station 31”. Harold retired in 2004 to Pennsylvania where he drove a school bus and stayed active in his community and church, singing in the choir and knitting hats for infants and preemies for a local hospital.
Harold died on September 8, 2015 from complications of exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site. He will be remembered for his encouraging words, warm smile, and an inviting embrace. Honored 2016