Honorees

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Year Honored
2003
Honoree
Maurice V Barry
Agency
Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department
Agency City
New York
Agency State
NY
Last Call
9/11/01
Cause of Death
Victim of Violence *
Biography
"It was a calling rather than a profession," stated a colleague. "He was totally committed to helping others? the last he was seen was when he was running back in, only after leading others to safety. Based upon what I know about "Moe" it's no surprise. He is truly a hero. For someone to give their life for others is the ultimate sacrifice." You knew he was one that would do that.<br /> <br /> There is something to be said about the person who realizes danger is at hand but chooses to help his fellow man. Flames were licking the sky as thousands of its shocked workers fled in horror. Maurice Barry was one who was rushing toward the burning towers, known as the pride of New York City. Twice he had come to the aid of victims caused by the selfish deeds of a terrorist attack. Maurice did not think hard about what he was doing, it was his nature to help others.<br /> <br /> Maurice Barry, 48, of Jersey City, New Jersey worked in the emergency service unit of the Port Authority Police office, assigned to the PATH commuter system of New York. He was killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center when terrorists attacked it on September 11, 2001. He was one among 37 Port Authority police officers who perished in the attack. Many were assigned to other jobs, however, all rushed to aid the thousands employed in the Twin Towers. His comrades stated he ran up the higher floors to help people trapped by twisted metal, fire and smoke. He was lost as the North Tower crumbled to the ground.<br /> <br /> Mr. Barry was an eighteen-year veteran of Port Authority joining the force in 1985. He was the son of a New York police officer, and took great pride in continuing that line of work. He was a Rutherford Ambulance Corps volunteer, a past Police Benevolent Association delegate, and a former Boy Scout leader.<br /> <br /> Barry was a doting father to his sons, Jon and Christian, calling them his "best productions." He never would gloat about his rescue work. His own family many times learned about his heroic acts from other sources, "you had to pull it out of him ?he didn't brag about it," said his wife, Marianne. He was proud to work for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.<br /> <br /> Honored 2003