Matthew Garvey enlisted in the Marines at the age of 18.

In his 10-year career, he would achieve the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and become a squad leader in 2nd ANGLICO, an elite Marine scout team inserted behind enemy lines, ahead of the Marine’s ground troops. He served operations in Beirut, Desert Storm, and Desert Shield.

At 37, he joined the NYC Fire Dept. and earned his way into: Squad–1, operating out of the Park Slope Firehouse in Brooklyn.

Matthew had  been accepted to law school and was a member of 6th Communications Battalion, Alpha Company, a Marine reserve unit in Long Island, NY, when his Ladder Company responded to an emergency call, on September 11th, 2001.

Matthew died alongside the other 343 firefighters at the World Trade Center running up the south–tower in an attempt to save those trapped inside.

In recognition of Matt’s bravery, the Secretary of the Navy awarded him with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, which is presented for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy.

6th Communications Battalion, has participated in the annual Tunnel to Towers event every year in his memory.

The unit’s base, located in Long Island, NY has been named after him in honor of his service and sacrifice to his fellow man. A memorial ceremony is held by the Alpha Company Marines in the cemetery where Matthew was laid to rest, every year since his passing.

Content from: https://tinyurl.com/4j6hn262 

It was a life dedicated to the service of the people of America," said his friend, Rick Helton, who served with him in the Marine Corps.

Matthew Garvey enlisted in 1981 at the age of 18. In his 10-year career, he would make sergeant and become a squad leader in 2nd Anglico, an elite scout team that went into hostile territory ahead of ground troops. He served in Beirut and in operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

Mr. Garvey, 37, joined the Fire Department in 1995 and earned his way into the elite Squad 1 unit based in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

He was recently accepted to law school, was an active Marine reservist, studied Kung Fu, played guitar, took photographs, climbed to the summit of Mount Rainier and was a rescue instructor for the Fire Department. Books on his nightstand included: Don Quixote, War and Peace, The Iliad, Moby Dick. "No one word can describe him," said his friend and stationhouse mate Gerald Smyth.

There are three: New York firefighter.
Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Nov. 4, 2001.

Long Island National Cemetery

We will never forget.  Thank you for your service.

MATTHEW DAVID GARVEY

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