This story is not about the tragedy but more about friendship and
the power of laughter to heal after 9/11. It tells the story of
John Larocchia, a timid kid who became a NYC fireman for all the
wrong reasons. He was afraid of heights, could not handle smoke
well and was very timed. Not what you would consider FDNY
material, The Bravest of the Bravest. He wanted a job with City
benefits and after passing the test he was called to take the job
at a time when he was lost with his career direction. It shows his
struggle to make it through the semi Military setting of the FDNY
Training Academy.
After becoming a fireman he finds his calling to be a stand Up
Comic. It is an uplifting feel good approach showing how fun
firehouse life was pre 9/11 and how after 9/11 laughter played a
role in its recovery. John’s firehouse was hit hard on 9/11 after
losing 19 of its members, 1/3 of the firehouse, one of them being
his good friend and comedy writing partner Tom Gardner. John and
Tom hosted a Radio show together and the story shows how this show
bonded these two funny men and helped John heal in the months that
followed. It also tells a story of friendship lost and how John
as a comic, father and fireman tries to make sense of it all and
deal with this tragedy and the loss of his friend through the
power and gift to make people laugh again.
A part of this story shows Johns responding from Home on 9/11 and
as he arrives at ground Zero after both Buildings were already
down we see his search at ground Zero through 9/12 but it’s a
small part of the story. The story is more focused on a few of
these men, the bonds that were formed especially between John and
Tom and the part comedy and laughter played in this tragedy.
Returning to the stage and to the radio studio was a big part of
that healing process for John. That first show after 9/11 without
Tom was tough but a few of his comic friends came to the studio to
support him. The phones rang all night when the following question
was posed to his listeners:” Tell me a time when someone who is
missing in the WTC made you laugh or smile.”
Please contact John if you are interested in becoming an Investor
or producer
on this project. I can use some leverage to get it into the hands of
someone
who can take it to the next Level
FDNY
9/11/01
NEVER FORGET
