TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

BRAVERY - LOVE - PERSEVERANCE

Chris was one of the most selfless people I knew. He was the type of guy who wanted to make you laugh, make you feel the love, and always had a beer in hand. Whether he was cheering on his Yankees, coaching football, or being our big brother, he was the type of guy everyone looked up to. His dream—along with becoming a father—was to be a police officer. I am so happy he got to have both, even though it wasn’t for long. His grit, determination and love of learning (he always had the History Channel on) made him who he was.

Character Strength Story: 

BRAVERY - Chris’s 9/11 story is quite extraordinary. He was one of the first people on the scene because he was working there that day. He immediately started helping and was injured on his face from debris. Although he was told to go seek medical attention, he refused. Chris continued to enter the tower and save people. Ultimately the tower collapsed and his team of five people ran for an elevator shaft, but Chris and his other two other teammates died and two were pulled from the rubble. Chris had the bravery I could have never ever imagined on 9/11 and I couldn’t be prouder to be his sister.

LOVE - One of my last memories with Chris was our dad's 50th birthday surprise party. We were all at the house setting up and getting ready and I just remember pure joy and happiness on his face. It was hard to get all of us together in one place, but when we were it was the best. Always running and playing with us kids and making sure he threw me up as high as he could. Chris loved when we had family parties because my mom knows how to throw the best party and we always had the best time.

PERSEVERANCE - Chris wanted to be a police officer more than anything. He failed the police test four times before he passed it on his fifth try. I admired his perseverance because I know I would have given up many times, but not Chris. He was determined to be a PAPD officer.

-Submitted by Jess, Surviving Sister