Hundreds of floors up and more than a thousand feet above the ground, fire blazing and alarms blaring. All seemed hopeless, but through the thick smoke appears a man in a red bandana and he says “Down the stairs, follow me, only help who you can help.”
September 11th, 2001 was one of the most devastating days in American history. The events that occurred on this tragic day led to nearly 3,000 American deaths and forever shaped the nation. But when tragedy strikes, heroes shine; and Welles Crowther is the definition of a hero. Growing up in the small town of Upper Nyack, New York, Welles was always known to be an outgoing and kind individual. At a young age he was very involved in many sports and school activities and continued to be throughout his childhood. He also deeply loved his family and especially looked up to his Dad. One day before church he noticed his dad carried around a blue handkerchief and he asked if he could have one too. His dad got him a bright red handkerchief and he carried it wherever he went from that day on. But perhaps most important for Welles, was his passion for firefighting. Being the son of Empire Hook and Ladder Company volunteer firefighter Jeff Crowther, Welles spent many of his early years helping out his dad in the fire station. He loved helping out so much that when he turned 16, he became a junior firefighter for Empire Hook and Ladder Company and became a full member at 18. After high school, Welles went to Boston College where he played Varsity lacrosse and worse lacrosse his red bandana under his helmet every game. In 1999, Welles graduated and got a degree in Economics.
After college, Welles worked for Sandler O’Neill & Partners banking firm where he became an equities trader. He worked on the 104th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. But Welles’ dream of being a firefighter never died, even into his professional career. So, on September 11th, 2001 at 9 o’clock in the morning, a plane came barreling into the South Tower, and Welles immediately took action. Welles’ firefighting training kicked in and he began searching for an unobstructed stairwell. As the smoke began to engulf the tower, Welles put on his red bandana to cover his mouth and nose. After he found the only open stairwell, he began to lead injured people down to safety. Once they were safe, he would once again go back up and find more survivors.
When the tower finally collapsed at 10AM, Welles collapsed with it. He was found 6 months later in the rescue efforts, near the bodies of NYFD firefighters. It is believed that in Welles’ last moment, he and a group of firefighters were heading up with a Jaws of Life tool to help more victims. He saved at least 18 lives in the South Tower that day. Welles’ life on earth ended that day, but his spirit has forever lived on. In 2006, New York City posthumously named Welles’ a NYFD honorary firefighter. He is honored at memorials alongside the many other firefighter that gave their lives during 9/11. In 2014, Boston College began their annual ‘Red Bandana’ football game in honor of his passion and heroism on and off the field. The football team wear commemorative red bandana jerseys and gear. This year the Eagles played the ‘Red Bandana’ game on September 21st against Michigan State and won 23-19. As we continue to remember 9/11 each year, lets also remember the heroism of The Man in the Red Bandana.
