On a recent sunny Saturday, Governor Chris Christie was paying his respects to the sacrifices firefighters and first responders make when he stood in a long line with hundreds of locals at the Firehouse Museum.
They were lining up to see Captain Ed Brown, the only firefighter in the history of the Long Branch Police Department who was in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. Governor Christie was not just paying his respects, he was also here to “pull the plug.”
In order to restore his life support, he had to be taken off life support. On September 11, 2001, Captain Brown and his fellow firefighters risked their lives to save others. They put on fire gear to set up a perimeter of protection for the tower of the World Trade Center. As soon as the tower collapsed, the brave men took their own lives to save others.
Museum photos show the rescue crews going down in flames and put out the inferno with the help of members of the Ramapo Fire Department, who had set up a helicopter base and began dumping water on the giant blaze. In addition to the heroics of Brown and his fellow firefighters, dozens of civilians died trying to rescue people.
When Governor Christie went to see Captain Brown, he had to learn that the hero had lost his mind. Captain Brown would wait in an ambulance in front of the hospital until the governor finally arrived with his personal limousine.
Governor Christie begged Captain Brown to put his critical condition into words so he could relay the gravity of the event to his son.
If you look at Captain Brown, you might compare him to the face of Gov. Chris Christie. Both men sported goatees and wore a thick goatee. They were also leaders of their communities.
Perhaps when he hears the words “Long Branch Fireman Ed Brown, M.A.R.C.,” or “Captain Brown, former Full Time Firefighter of Long Branch” or some other tribute, he will finally be able to put it into words.
If you want to learn more about Captain Brown, you can read about the heroic moment he made the ultimate sacrifice for his co-workers. You can also go through the small exhibition on his life at the Firehouse Museum. And if you want to see him, you can go to the Firehouse Museum and visit him.
Of course, the people of Long Branch have a lot more to do before this once hidden jewel of the New Jersey Shore reemerges as one of the original “Shore Conferencing Huts.”
Historic Times at Long Branch.com
When you go
The Firehouse Museum is located at 105 Pine Street, Long Branch, N.J. Reach there by calling (732) 935-0256 or visit the museum’s website here.