| OFFICER RAMON SUAREZ New York City Police Department | |
 | "Ray basically symbolized the essence of what the Police Department is looking for in its officers." That's how Officer Steven Rentas, Ramon's partner on the force for 11 years, summed up the fallen officer's professionalism. But Ramon Suarez was the same off duty as on. Once when he and his wife were dressed up for a party, he saw some teenagers outside his Queens home beating a man. He gave his wife "one of his looks," then took off in his dress shoes and chased the kids down, holding them until officers arrived. The teenagers were no match for this 45-year-old grandfather and fitness fanatic. |
| On the morning of September 11th, Officer Suarez was on transit duty at a subway station. He commandeered a taxi to reach the World Trade Center. A photographer caught one of his last moments on film, helping people out of the burning towers. Ramon Suarez died as he had lived, serving and protecting others. | |