FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge raced toward the chaos of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, from his post at Engine Company One / Ladder Company 24. As the tragedy unfolded, he offered prayers for those trapped, the first responders, and all of humanity. Twenty-five years after his death, Father Judge's legacy of faith and compassion continues to inspire.

Father Michael Duffy, a close friend, delivered the homily at Judge's funeral, stating, "We will bury his body, but not his spirit." Judge, recognized as the first official victim of the 9/11 terror attacks, was known for his immediate willingness to help others. Duffy noted that he "pray[s] for him every day" and believes Judge would be present wherever someone needed consolation.

Father Judge's final moments were captured by a French film crew profiling the FDNY that day. He was praying inside the North Tower lobby for people descending from the upper floors when the South Tower collapsed, engulfing the area in debris. Duffy recalled learning of Judge's death while at his soup kitchen in Philadelphia, stating, "I had no doubt that when the plane hit the building, that he would be there."

An image of Judge's body being carried from the rubble by firefighters became one of the most poignant and enduring symbols of the attacks. Duffy described the photograph as representing "2,000 people" and the "helplessness of goodness being overcome by evil." He added that the image concretely symbolized the loss felt by so many.

Judge and Duffy first met in the 1970s as Franciscan priests. Duffy described Judge as a humble individual with "no airs about him," making him approachable and a person others felt comfortable confiding in. Born in Brooklyn, Judge had a connection to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi before joining the Franciscan order.

Appointed FDNY chaplain in 1992, Judge ministered to a diverse range of people. Duffy also recalled Judge's desire to be "where the action was," highlighting his proactive nature in serving others. This spirit of service defined his ministry.

Four days after Judge's death, Duffy traveled to New York to fulfill Judge's wish for him to deliver his funeral homily. Thousands attended the service, where Duffy reiterated the profound impact of Judge's life. In his homily, Duffy stated, "We will bury his hands, but not his good works," and "We come to bury his heart, but not his love. Never his."

Father Mychal Judge's actions on 9/11 and his subsequent iconic image serve as a lasting testament to his dedication, faith, and the profound sense of loss experienced by the nation. His legacy continues to be remembered through his spirit of service and compassion.