Chuck Karen (Evilchuck), a 9-11 First Responder, lost his long battle with cancer (1 Viewer)

[Louis Badolato]

Chuck Karen (Evilchuck), a 9-11 First Responder, lost his long battle with cancer last night. He hasn't posted on the forum in a couple of years, but he was a big King & Country collector, as well as a collector of military memorabilia. He was a good friend, a courageous New York City Police Officer, and the latest victim of that tragic day, as his efforts looking for bodies for weeks after 9-11 were the cause of his cancer. Chuck, you are my hero!

Only 42 years old, he leaves a lovely wife, two sons, 9 and 4, and many heartbroken friends. I hope you are sitting down to a heavenly Chinese dinner and drinks with Larry Lo, Chuck Harris, Joe (the Lieutenant) and all our other forum brothers who have passed. You will be missed!!

 

[mikemiller1955]

nice post Louis...

very sweet...

my condolences...

 

[gk5717]

Rest in Peace brother.
Gary

 

[jazzeum]

I'm sorry to hear that. I met Chuck a couple of times and he was a great guy.

 

[Al Fisher]

Never Forget! Our thoughts will be with you during your next call, wherever it may be.

Far too many of the 9/11 responders have paid the ultimate price for their heroic deeds. And to think that Congress has voted to cut off health benefits for these people. Shameful!!! Incidentally, my son also responded to 9/11 on one of the FEMA Search and Rescue teams. Fortunately his health remains excellent; not so for some of his partners.

Bosun Al

 

[marco55]

Most of those in Congress aren't fit enough to pick up dog poo let alone run the country.
Mark

 

[arnhem44mad]

RIP

Scott

 

[Louis Badolato]

I went to Chuck's funeral Saturday morning. Both the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department and the NYPD had a large presence, with a piper, a Fire Engine as the hearse (driven by our good friend Morgan Hoffman, a regular at the NY Symposium over the years), and two Tower ladders flying a huge American Flag high over the Church. The Police Officers and Fire Fighters in dress uniforms stood an Honor Guard around the sides of the pews. There was not a dry eye in the house when his young widow, Tina, and his best friend, Fire Captain Pisani (who is married to his wife's identical twin sister) gave the eulogies. I hope that his young sons (9 and 4) remember him, and know the kind of man he was by the respect shown to him by his fellow heroes in blue.

 

[lancer]

RIP, Chuck. Another loss to the tragedy of 9-11. There are far too many still paying the price of that day. Congress should be ashamed. -- Al

 

[Al Fisher]

Yes, such services are very emotional and meaningful. First responders, police and fire, take their brotherhood very serious. I'm on the fringe, having worked with many of them for ten years and fully appreciate their commitment.

Bosun Al

 

[tdubel]

Sad news to read and thanks Louis for letting the forum know. I met Chuck and few times in NY as well as "email" over the years. All around great guy and hero.

Tom

 

[gk5717]

Speaking of 9/11 there is a documentary that is on DVD and I watch it every year around 9/11. It's called 9-11. It was done by two French brothers who were doing a documentary on what is was like to be a probationary fireman for the FDNY. From what I understand this is the only film taken inside the towers before they collapsed. Also of the first plane striking the first tower. A must see. But where I'm going with this is at the end there is a Irish tenor singing "Oh Danny Boy" as the film shows individual pictures of the fire fighters who were killed that day. If you do not cry watching this you are not human!
Gary