Ground Zero responder speaks to students

Friday, Mar. 11, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — Saint Vincent de Paul middle school students recently viewed the documentary “The Boys of Kingsbridge” and spoke with one of the subjects of the film, firefighter Eddie O’Mahoney.  

The documentary is about four friends from the same neighborhood in the Bronx who attended St. John Grammar School and Church, and went separate ways, only to later be at the same place, Ground Zero, on Sept. 11, 2001.  

The documentary is not only a story of survival, it is also about community and the lifelong ties that bind friends and people together.  

“We hoped to create an experience for the middle school that would have students look beyond their own experiences and learn from the experiences of others,” said Father John Norman, St. Vincent de Paul Parish pastor. “To have Eddie available to share his experience was a great opportunity.”  

After viewing the documentary, students had a question-and-answer session with O’Mahoney, who was one of the first responders to Ground Zero on Sept. 11. He told the students that he, too, had attended Catholic school, which contributed to his focus on service. On Sept. 11, he knew he had to help those in need and trust his faith in God, he said. 

Students discussed the virtues of faith, hope and love that they witnessed in the film and pondered how Saint Vincent de Paul School is preparing them to live a life in service to others.  

“The emotional presentation Eddie gave the students helped them understand that love and service are not just things we talk about in Catholic school, but actually should direct one’s life decisions,” Principal Gary Green said.  

Erin Poche, a parent of two middle-school students, Claire and Sam, said, “This film sparked a conversation at home, as both kids were interested in where we were when Sept. 11 happened; and also wanted to know what we thought about that day. It was hard to believe that they weren’t even born at the time. A good friend of mine, who was working at a hospital in the city when it happened, related her experiences to Claire, who then wrote a paper for one of her classes. I think what they saw in the documentary and the class discussions provided a great history lesson.” 

Courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul School