Description Recovered fire helmet worn by Joseph Gerard Hunter. The helmet is crushed and broken into several pieces, and the leather is distorted and discolored due to exposure to the elements. The number on the front piece is 288.
Historical Notes Born in Brooklyn, Joseph Hunter lived in South Hempstead, Long Island. As a child living near a firehouse, he staged mock rescue drills with a garden hose and a ladder. As a young man, Joseph volunteered with his local fire department. He joined the FDNY in 1996 and became a member of Squad 288. On September 11, Firefighter Hunter responded to the towers with his unit. He was 31 years old.