Tom Oelkers battled World Trade Center cancer relentlessly & without complaint. He passed away on May 16, 2021.

It is impossible to articulate how much he is missed by his family and friends. Tom was a huge part of his community & Our Lady of Victory parish in Floral Park, New York. Tom’s world revolved around being a husband and Dad. He loved his girls; his wife Erika and their three daughters Camryn, Juliet, and Scarlett were the center of his world.

Tom lived a life of service, first serving in the NYPD for 4 years & then as a firefighter for 19 years in the FDNY, Ladder 44. Tom was 26 years old when he responded to the World Trade Center 9/11 attacks and spent countless hours on the rescue and recovery effort. After joining the FDNY, Tom made his mark on the department as an elite member of Ladder 44. He had a tremendous work ethic. He was also one of the leaders of the FDNY Football Team that rebuilt the team after the 9/11 terrorist attacks which took the lives of many members. They eventually went on to win the Public Safety National Championship.

We miss his bravery, selflessness, great sense of humor, and most of all, we just miss him. Through this foundation, we aspire to continue his spirit of service in helping other families in need.