Honoring a Hero's Legacy: Cait Leavey's Journey of Service and Resilience

Cait Leavey, a 33-year-old AmeriCorps alum, is the daughter of Lt. Joseph Leavey, a New York City firefighter who lost his life while responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In this personal essay, Leavey shares her father's enduring legacy of service and how she is committed to carrying it forward, inspiring others to do the same.

Transforming Grief into Strength: Cait Leavey's Unwavering Commitment to Service

A Daughter's Perspective: Remembering a Heroic Father

Cait Leavey's memories of her father are filled with warmth and admiration. She recalls the way he would dance with her, making her feel special, important, and protected. As a child, Leavey saw her father as a true hero, not because of his job as a firefighter, but because of the way he cared for his family and community. Even as an adult, Leavey can see her father's character more clearly, recognizing his unwavering dedication to public service and his genuine concern for the people around him.

The Fateful Day: Leavey's Father Responds to the 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, Leavey's father, Lt. Joseph Leavey, was one of the first firefighters to arrive at the scene in Manhattan. His company was instrumental in guiding a large number of people to safety from the impact zone on the 78th floor of the South Tower. Tragically, Leavey and many others made the ultimate sacrifice that day, demonstrating unparalleled bravery and heroic strength. However, Leavey's father did not become a firefighter to become a national hero; he was driven by a deep commitment to his community and a desire to help those in need.

Honoring a Legacy: Cait Leavey's Journey of Service

In the 23 years since her father's passing, Cait Leavey has grappled with the best way to heal her loss and honor his memory. She has found solace and purpose in following his example of public service. Leavey served two terms as an AmeriCorps member with Teach for America, which launched her career as an educator. She went on to teach pre-K in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan before becoming a mental health counselor, specializing in trauma and its effects on children and adults. Currently, Leavey dedicates her time to supporting first responder and military families, as well as children in the foster care system, through the organization You Gotta Believe.

Transforming Grief into Strength: Leavey's Commitment to Service

Leavey's personal grief has remained with her over the years, but she has found that taking action, inspiring joy, and lending a helping hand have always brightened the horizon. Service has become a salve and a refuge for her, allowing her to transform pain and anguish into strength and community. Leavey remembers the outpouring of support from strangers in the days following 9/11, which reminded her of her father's hugs and the power of extending humanity to others.

Carrying on the Legacy: Leavey's Annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

Each year, Leavey hosts the Spirit of 9/12 event in partnership with Stars of Hope, a program owned by Vibrant Emotional Health. This event inspires children to give back by painting stars for local heroes, such as first responders, nurses, and community center workers. Leavey's goal is to teach children that they too can make a difference in the recognition of 9/11 and to encourage others to join her in service.Leavey's unwavering commitment to her father's legacy of service is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of giving back. By sharing her story and inspiring others to follow in her father's footsteps, Leavey is ensuring that his memory and the spirit of service he embodied will continue to live on, making a lasting difference in the lives of those he touched and the communities he served.