Established in 2002 as a way to commemorate the life of our hero Raymond Murphy, the fund awards multiple scholarships yearly as an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Soon after Raymond was born the family moved to the Castle Hill section of the Bronx where the family of seven remained for many years. Here Ray met his wife Linda and they married on November 25, 1978. Throughout his formative y
ears Ray showed promise as a quick learner who worked well with his hands. Firefighting almost seemed a natural fit so he took the required tests and did well. On January 9, 1982, Ray was appointed to the New York City Fire Department. was born in 1983 and Sean followed in 1987. Ray also worked as a general contractor to provide his children with the best education possible. Because of his sacrifices both his children attended St. Frances de Chantal grammar school in the Bronx. Their successes continued as Raymond attended high school at Iona Preparatory in New Rochelle and Sean at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains. As a newly minted Lieutenant Ray worked all over the city but soon found a home on 67th street in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Although a far cry from his years as a fireman in the South Bronx, Ray thrived and the members of Engine 39 and Ladder 16 received him warmly. Ray was assigned to Ladder 16 for only a short time before the tragedy of September 11 struck. He was scheduled to begin his twenty-four hour tour that morning. He entered quarters to find that Ladder 16 had already responded to the World Trade Center. Grabbing their bunker gear, tools, and helmets, Ray, with Firefighters Rich Ritazzi and Rob Curatolo, made their way downtown in a police car, as the 19th Precinct sits adjacent to Engine 39 and Ladder 16. Upon arriving they rescued a survivor from the collapse of the South Tower. Ray had Rich Ritazzi es**rt the injured to an ambulance, as he and Curatolo continued to look for more survivors. Minutes later the North Tower collapsed and tragically both Ray and Rob were killed. Moments before the collapse Rich had the presence of mind to photograph Ray and Rob as they marched courageously through the wreckage of the South Tower, rightfully immortalizing them and every other firefighter as heroes.
