| DETECTIVE JOSEPH VINCENT VIGIANO New York City Police Department | |
 | Shot three different times in the line of duty, Joseph Vigiano was one of the NYPD's most decorated officers. He was also one of its bravest, returning to duty after each incident. Heroism runs in the Vigiano family. Joseph's father, a retired New York City firefighter captain, had been read his last rights twice during his own career, but survived. His brother John was also a New York City firefighter, and Joseph's wife, Kathy, was also a police officer. |
| Joseph and John were the only children of their parents, as close as two brothers could be. Both served as volunteer firefighters in the town where they grew up and were now raising families of their own. Both also responded to the call on the morning of 9/11. Both died together in the collapse of the Twin Towers. Joseph's body was found one month later, and removed with a full honor guard. John's remains were never recovered. | |