In the News

Nyack, N.Y. – 9/12/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Alison Crowther, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Supervisors George Hoehmann and Teresa Kenny, state and local elected officials from both parties, the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, and the Nyack Fire Department at a press conference at the historic Nyack Fire Department, Empire Hook and Ladder Company #1, to honor the life and legacy of Welles Remy Crowther, the “Man in the Red Bandana.”

Standing in front of Welles’ hometown firehouse, Congressman Lawler announced he is calling on President Trump to posthumously award Welles Crowther the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and introducing legislation in Congress to posthumously award Crowther the Congressional Gold Medal.

A video of the press conference remarks is available HERE

Crowther, a Nyack native and volunteer firefighter, sacrificed his life rescuing others on September 11, 2001, when he led survivors to safety from the South Tower of the World Trade Center while wearing his trademark red bandana. At least 18 people survived that day because of his bravery. 

Crowther’s heroism has become a lasting symbol of courage and sacrifice in Rockland County, across New York, and throughout the nation. His legacy continues to inspire generations to choose service, compassion, and bravery in the face of adversity.

“In Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley, we know what it means to serve. Half the homes in our district have a cop, a firefighter, an EMT, or a veteran living in the household. Welles is a symbol of that tradition, a reminder that heroism doesn’t come from rank or title, but from the choices we make in the hardest moments of our lives. Twenty-four years later, his story still teaches us, still inspires us, still challenges us to ask: What would we do in the last hour of our lives? For Welles Crowther, the answer is eternal. It is written in courage. It is written in sacrifice. It is written on a red bandana,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“On September 11th, Welles’ actions were fueled by a deep sense of pure humanity. There were people he had to save. He didn’t care what race, religion, color, background, or social status of the individuals there. He was there simply to save lives as a humanitarian act. He fortunately had the skills and training to do so,” said Alison Crowther, Welles Crowther’s mother. “I think what he would want me to say is to ‘Let’s remember what it was like September 11th in this country, September 12th, 13th, and on – how we all came together despite all of our many differences and were one,’ We were all brothers and sisters of this country.” 

“This fire company has taught me and generations of men and women who have come before and will come after what it means to serve. [welles] embodies everything a man or woman should strive to be in life. No questions asked, [he] didn’t ask if you were Republican or Democrat, [he] didn’t ask what religion you were. ‘Need help? We’re coming.’ That’s what fire departments in America do every day. [welles] is more deserving of this award than anyone,” said Dave Gottleib, president of the Nyack Fire Department.

“Today, thanks to the efforts of our congressman, Mike Lawler, something very special is happening. We here in Rockland County understand and believe strongly what Welles was all about. He has our respect for his heroism, his dedication, and that respect will now be extended across this great nation, which will finally understand the story of the ‘Man with the Red Bandana,’” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. 

“What struck me so much about Welles’ story was that he came from a believing family in service and in God. What he told people in the [twin] Towers, ‘Come follow me,’ echoes Scripture. That was the charge Jesus gave to his disciples, a call to discipleship, and Welles really exemplified what that discipleship is. [it] comes with a cost. He paid that ultimate cost, and he’s become an example to generations,” said Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann.

On Thursday, September 11th, Congressman Lawler joined President Trump and some of his New York colleagues at the New York Yankees game to commemorate the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001. In memory of Welles Crowther, Congressman Lawler presented the President with a red bandana from the Crowther family.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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