James Haupt
Two New York City firefighters are being honoured for risking their lives to save the Blessed Sacrament.
In 1997, St Philip Neri Church faced the second massive fire in its history. FDNY Lt. Michael Healey and firefighter Donald Regan made the brave choice to carry the tabernacle through the flames, despite the danger.
Lt. Mickey Conboy witnessed the rescue firsthand as part of the responding team.
MICKEY CONBOY, Former FDNY Lieutenant
Donnie Regan and Michael Healey really were the two firefighters that went up on the altar as the roof was coming down around them and carried that out of there in a great act of bravery. And both being good Catholics, that was the most ultimate thing we could do. And then we said we gotta go back and get the statues.
Nearly three decades later, the two heroes were honored at a special mass, and a plaque was placed on the tabernacle they risked their lives to save.
Donald’s son, Peter, who has followed in his footsteps, reflected on his father's legacy.
PETER REGAN, FDNY Firefighter and Son of Donald Regan
I think it’s very honorable as a family member to have my father recognized in that way and basically forever. And to be recognized for such an event of what he was able to do.
But the story of the two firefighters does not end with the rescue at St. Philip Neri. Four years later, both Regan and Healey were killed in the line of duty on 9/11.
PETER REGAN, FDNY Firefighter and Son of Donald Regan
Remember the lives that were taken. My father Donald, friends, family. They weren’t lost, they weren’t misplaced, they were taken from this Earth.
Their heroism in 1997 is now forever connected to the sacrifice they made four years later.
