Dude of the Week

Timothy Stackpole

Timothy Stackpole was a highly respected New York City firefighter who tragically lost his life during the 9/11 attacks. After surviving a devastating fire in 1998 that left him severely burned, Stackpole became a legend within the department. Despite enduring immense pain during his recovery, his commitment to firefighting never wavered.

On September 10, 2001, he proudly began his first day as captain. The next day, he was among the many brave firefighters who rushed to the World Trade Center, where he perished in the line of duty.

Raised in Marine Park, Brooklyn, Stackpole's dedication to both his family and his job was unwavering. He cherished time with his wife, Tara, and their five children, and Tara fondly recalled his immense joy in being with them. His other great passion was firefighting—a calling that nearly cost him his life in 1998, when he and two colleagues were trapped in a collapsing building during a rescue. Though severely injured, Stackpole’s willpower and optimism remained steadfast, and he returned to the job he loved, refusing to retire despite his injuries.

On September 11, 2001, Stackpole was one of the first to respond to the World Trade Center attacks. Leading a team into the South Tower, he was among the 343 firefighters who died when the building collapsed. His body was recovered a week later, and his funeral was attended by thousands, including Mayor Giuliani.

Stackpole’s legacy endures at his firehouse, where his name and nickname, "Jobs," are painted on the ladder truck in tribute to his lifelong dedication and heroism.

You can donate to the FDNY Captain Timothy Stackpole Foundation here.

History Stuff

How the Panama Canal Changed the World

The Panama Canal is one of the most ambitious engineering feats in history, transforming global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Before the canal was completed, ships had to take the long and dangerous journey around the southern tip of South America, through the treacherous waters of Cape Horn. But after the Panama Canal opened in 1914, ships could cross Central America in just a few hours, shaving weeks off their voyages. So how did this engineering marvel come to be? Let's dive in.

The Dream of a Shortcut

The idea of creating a shortcut across Central America wasn’t new. As early as the 1500s, explorers and visionaries dreamed of cutting through the narrow strip of land in Panama. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that serious efforts were made to turn that dream into a reality.

The French were the first to attempt it. In 1881, under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps (who had successfully built the Suez Canal), the French began digging. Unfortunately, they were unprepared for the harsh tropical conditions, deadly diseases like malaria and yellow fever, and the sheer difficulty of cutting through mountains and dense jungle. After years of effort, the French project failed, and de Lesseps’s company went bankrupt.

Enter the United States

After the French failure, the United States took over the project in 1904, but they learned from the mistakes of their predecessors. Under the direction of President Theodore Roosevelt, the U.S. sent engineers, doctors, and workers to finish the job. One of their key innovations was implementing a lock-based system, where ships would be raised and lowered by water elevators, rather than trying to dig a sea-level canal.

In addition, Dr. William Gorgas led a successful effort to control mosquito populations, drastically reducing the spread of malaria and yellow fever among workers. With these changes, progress accelerated, and on August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened.

How the Canal Works

The Panama Canal is about 50 miles long and consists of three sets of locks that lift ships up to 85 feet above sea level to the man-made Gatun Lake, and then lower them back down on the other side. This lock system is what makes the canal so impressive. Ships enter a lock, the gates close, and water is pumped in or out to raise or lower the ship to the appropriate height. It’s an elegant solution to the problem of connecting two oceans with different sea levels.

Global Impact

The opening of the Panama Canal had a profound impact on global trade. Ships that once had to take the long journey around South America could now make the trip in a fraction of the time, saving both money and resources. The canal also made it easier for the U.S. Navy to move ships between oceans, enhancing America’s ability to project power globally.

Today, over 12,000 ships pass through the canal each year, carrying goods that make the world go round. The Panama Canal remains a symbol of human ingenuity and determination—proof that with the right tools and vision, we can reshape the world.

See the locks in action ⬇️