The 2,996 Project is a simple but powerful project aimed to create a tribute to each victim of 9/11 individually, with each tribute being created by a different weblog. I am proud to be a contributing weblog in this project, and honored to write a tribute to the memory of Stephen P Russell. I feel especially fortunate to be writing a tribute not only for a FDNY hero, but also a fellow waterman who was only a little older than I am now when he passed.

Steve Russell was born and raised in Arverne (Rockaway Beach), New York, and loved the water - he was a master scuba diver, a sailor, and an avid water-skier. Steve was also a firefighter of eight years, stationed with Engine 55 in Little Italy. On that fateful day, Steve was investigating a gas leak nearby when he and his fellow firefighters rushed to the World Trade Towers and joined other FDNY units in evacuating those moving down from the upper floors.

Prior to joining the FDNY, Steve was a carpenter by trade - he was so skilled they called him "MacGyver" at the firehouse because he could fix anything and worked wonders with wood - he even built his own furniture along with many items for the firehouse, including a display case which has since become a memorial to him and his four fellow firefighters who died at the World Trade Center.

Artist Gordon Roy Press created the following piece for Engine 55 to honor the members the company lost on 9/11. The oil painting, which measures 10 feet by 6 feet, depicts the lost firefighters' gear hanging in company quarters, and hangs above a memorial for the firefighters. Since 2001, the artist has created several images for the members of Engine 55, including a mural on the wall of their quarters that took three months to paint.

I believe a fitting tribute to Steve must include some of the many messages left by those who know and love him - his family and friends. The following are just a few of the messages left at legacy.com, a site created as a place to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001, among others.

A portion of the central tribute submitted by C. Russell:

Steve was very close to his family. He lived with his parents, Marie and Clifford. His older brother, Clifford, spent many days searching for his brother in the smokey rubble. To his sister-in-law, Christina, he was more than a brother. To his nephew, Evan, he was a protector. To his nephew, Cliff, he was a dive buddy and best friend. To his nephew, Christopher, he was godfather and mentor. To his niece, he was the best uncle a girl could ask for. He often called her his own. Steve was the youngest of three sons. His brother, William, resides in New Hampshire with his wife Adrienne. We will always remember his big beautiful eyes and his love for life.

Cliff and Marie Russell (Arverne, NY):

A beloved son who lived life to the fullest. He was always there for his family. He is greatly missed. He will live in our hearts forever. We miss you Steve - Love Mom and Dad

Adrienne Russell (Concord, NH):

Steve, Billy & I miss you dearly. We love you more than you knew. I look at your picture every day and can't believe I'll never talk with you or hug you again. I miss our tea & cookies, and visits to Rockaway will never be the same. We had so much fun together, and I'm thankful every day for those memories. God bless the best brother, brother-in-law, and friend anyone could ask for.

Rhonda Cohen (Bayside, NY):

My Dearest Steve, Words cannot express the loss that I feel each and every day that you are not with me. I miss and love you so much. Ever since we met on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1990, I knew that you were going to be someone special in my life. To this day, I still feel like you're going to walk into the room and hug me and tell me that this was all a bad dream. You were my best friend, my soulmate, MY HERO. You took care of me in every way and made me so happy. I will sincerely miss every moment that we shared, most especially: our boat rides on the bay, our visits to the bird store, our trips to New England and the holidays spent with your family. It didn't matter what we did, as long as we were together. You were so handsome. I will never forget your beautiful eyes, the way they looked at me and how they seemed to change colors from day to day. And your smile was perfect, it always lifted my spirits and made me laugh. You were so talented and smart, everything you touched turned to gold, and there wasn't anything you couldn't do. I always looked up to you. You were always there for everyone, so devoted to me your family and friends. You wanted to make everyone happy, not even thinking about your own needs. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of your life for all these years and that you chose me to share it with you. I truly believe that we were meant to be together. My life will never be the same again without you in it, but I will try and live it (to the fullest), in memory of yours and how you lived your life. You did everything you wanted to do and I am so grateful that you came into my life. God bless you and the beautiful love we shared. Our precious memories will always remain close to my heart. I will miss you so dearly. Sweet dreams, my angel face, until we meet again....Your forever love, Ronnie

Erika Russell (Belle Harbor, NY):

This is my Tribute to My Uncle Stevie that I wrote in my Graduating Senior Year Book: I know he was watching..........
You were my favorite buddy; you were always there,
Sometimes you seemed to be the only one who cared,
Visiting Grandpa and Grandma's house was always fun,
'cause I knew you would be there cleaning your boat in the sun,
Then one day it happened, all I could think about was you and my dad,
The airplanes bombed into the towers and you were the first two I thought of and I got very sad,
Thinking that you wouldn't make it, but knowing you were strong,
I sat for long hours knowing that I probably wouldn't find out till next dawn.
My dad was the strongest when we got the news; it was his brother and he looked somehow confused,
Like he knew what had happened and wasn't sure whether to smile because we found out, or to cry because you were gone,
My brothers Christopher and Cliff probably got hurt the worst; they loved him so much yet they had to let him go.
I cried for days but seemed to move on, because I know you're in a better place,
Still that brave Fireman who has always been strong.
- I'll Always Love My Uncle Stevie...I miss you so much.... Love always and Forever, Erika

Laurie McCorgray (Belle Harbor, NY):

I've known Stevie my entire life. Our mothers are sisters. He was my cousin, my friend, my confidante and protector, my brother. Not a day goes by that I don't shed a tear for the profound loss to our family. He had a smile that could light up an entire room and eyes that could warm your heart with just a glance. He was a man of impeccable character, always knowing the right thing to say or do. The way he lived his life was a reflection of the love of his parents, Cliff and Marie. Of all the many gifts I have received in my lifetime, I am the most thankful to my aunt and uncle for the gift that was Stevie and the gifts of his brothers Billy and Cliffie. While our family, our very lives will never be the same, we rejoice that he was ours for the short time he lived. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of all those who were lost that day, the civilians and the heroes. May God bless you all.

Sally Wedemeyer (Hopkinton, NH):

Stevie - There are so many things that I wish I had the chance to tell you, but you were taken from us so suddenly. Anyway, I want you to know that you are a very special part of my childhood memories. The times we spent together at our grandmothers' houses will always bring a smile to my face. You always managed to find some adventure to have us take part in. We laughed and played and thought that nothing bad could ever touch us. But the carefree days of childhood are gone now, replaced by the realities of adulthood. However, the memories we shared can never be diminished or replaced. Memories are forever, especially the good ones. And that's where you'll always be in my heart, surrounded by those wonderful memories. Since Sept. 11th, the world has honored you with the title of "Hero". You have always honored us by being the kind, thoughtful, fun-loving person that we knew would always be there for us when we needed someone. I thank God everyday that you were a part of my family, even if it was only for so short a time. Every family should be so lucky! God Bless You, dear cousin. Rest in Peace!

Jillian Arrowood (NY):

I am lucky enough to have known Steve. He was the kind of a friend that you could call at 3:00 in the morning to ask for some help and he wouldn't even question it! He'd be there. What a huge loss for all of NYC!

Cindy, Chris and Sarah George (Salem, NH):

To stephen, we will always have memories of good times with you. you were such a special person, kind,funny and gentle. we still can't believe you are not in this world anymore, but you are in a far better place. we will never forget you. God Bless your family and all the victims of sept.11.

Peggy Denni (Chesapeake, VA):

I grew up with a boy named Stevie Russell. We started kindergarten together and we graduated together. Stevie was very quiet when we started school. He wasn't very comfortable about being there. I used to talk to him everyday - eventually he came around and became relaxed with his surroundings.
Stevie loved Jamaica Bay. Swimming, sailing, crabbing. He was always doing something with it. I used to sit on my Grandma's dock. I'd wave and he'd row over in a dingy, or fly by in the hydroplane.
Summertime was the best. At night all of us kids played games. Sometimes we just hung out on the corner and talked. A lot of the times we got yelled at because we were so loud.
After I got married and moved away I didn't see much of Stevie anymore. One thing I could count on happened every summer. Just like old times I was on my grandma's dock watching Stevie go by in the Red Sailboat. The only difference was I have a husband and three kids waving with me.
On September Eleventh we lost Stevie. One of the best parts of my childhood is gone. I still have my memories - they are deep in my heart and will remain there forever. Stevie, I will always remember you. I was blessed with your friendship then as I am now. Now and forever you will always be my friend.

Rachel Victor (Wantagh, NY):

Hey Stevie, Miss you!! Like everyone that ever met you. Every time I look to the water I think of your smiling face, each time I think about diving I hear you telling me to do it, every time I go into the serenity below you are with me. Thank you for being you. With Love, Rachel. The world misses you

Bill Fotey (long beach, NY):

To the family and friends of Stephen Russell
i had the sincere pleasure of knowing Steve i was one of the guys that Steve went scuba diving with at Jane's house in long beach.I also drove down to north Carolina with Steve in my truck we followed our friends Jim and Dennis. Steve and i took turns driving we had both finished working a 4x12 tour of duty Steve a new York City firemen and i a police officer this was a week never to be forgotten the pranks never stopped it was fire men Vs cop Steve and i Vs Dennis and Jim a real guy get away trip we got jimmy with a real good one and Steve got it on video tape Steve found peace under the sea he was a very confident scuba diver a dive master while scuba diving one day we saw a shark and decided we should swim with the shark we must have had a hit of nitrogen narcosis. we dove a ship in Carolina that was sunk by a German submarine during world war 2 and one of the divers that was on the boat recovered some brass fire nozzles and gave 5 of them to us Steve started to clean them up rite away Steve was proud to be a fire fighter He spoke very highly of the men that he worked with and the fun they had in the fire house Steve just liked to help people out it was in his blood
I emailed Steve early Sep 12 after working all day and night the next day i checked my e mail no reply two days later i got the bad news Steve was on the list of missing firemen.It says in the Bible in John 15:13 GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN THAN THIS THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS
September 11, 2001 the Russell family lost a son, brother, uncle. The United States lost a patriot. The New York City fire department lost a hero fire fighter. Thank you Steve, God bless you and God bless your family and God bless the United States.
your friend, Bill Fotey

There are many more messages for and about Steve, these are just a few.

My condolences to Steve's family and friends for the loss they no doubt strongly feel on this the 5th anniversary of 911. Steve's passing is obviously a great loss to those who he touched in his lifetime, but I have no doubt that he was gladly welcomed to whatever place lies beyond our fragile existence here on earth.

Be at peace, Steve Russell.