August 11, 2025
Since his discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Sgt. Gabriel Vazquez ’18CPS has become a passionate advocate for his fellow veterans, thousands of whom suffer from debilitating physical injuries and emotional scars resulting from their dedicated service to this country.
His volunteer work among disabled veterans and veterans’ families—particularly those with ties to St. John’s University—has spotlighted the unique challenges those communities face. He has organized bicycle rides, softball games, and other fundraisers on behalf of physically and emotionally wounded service members.
However, that life of service might have ended prematurely were it not for the efforts of another St. John’s University graduate.
As a child, Sgt. Vazquez was rescued from a devastating high-rise fire on Easter Sunday, 1992. He never learned the identity of the firefighter who saved him.
That man was Eugene J. Carty ’73GEd.
Lt. Carty earned his master’s degree in English/secondary education from St. John’s, and initially began his career as a teacher. Later, he decided to switch professions and enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
Along with his fellow firefighters from Engine 15, Lt. Carty rescued Sgt. Vazquez and other family members. “I happened to find Gabe,” Lt. Carty recalled. “He was between the bed and the wall. I believe he was lucky.” The next day, Lt. Carty tried to visit the boy but was prevented from seeing him because they were not related.
He went on to attend St. John’s as well, but after the 9/11 attacks, Sgt. Vazquez was inspired to join the Marine Corps. During his service, he participated in a joint training exercise with members of the FDNY on Randall’s Island.
“As I’m rappelling off a wall, a firefighter tells me he has so much respect for what the Marines do. I told him I greatly respected what they do because I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for a firefighter.”
Sgt. Vazquez then related the story of his rescue. The firefighter with whom he shared the story had served with Lt. Carty and contacted him. “I got a call from this gentleman asking me if I remembered the Easter Sunday fire on Cherry Street in Manhattan,” Lt. Carty recalled. “He said, ‘Well, the little boy you saved is a Marine and he’s here training with us. Would you like to meet him?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ Something like this happens so rarely.”
Lt. Carty traveled to Randall’s Island and the pair experienced an emotional reunion more than 20 years after the incident. Since then, they have formed a friendship; Lt. Carty has become an ardent supporter of Sgt. Vazquez, who resumed his studies at St. John’s after his discharge from the Marines.
Lt. Carty even attended his graduation from St. John’s. “The University was so gracious,” Sgt. Vazquez said. “When they saw Gene in uniform, they moved him and my family up to the front.”
Last month, Sgt. Vazquez participated in the Soldier Ride, a multiday riding event sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project® that helps veterans build confidence and strength through shared physical activity. Lt. Carty was there to support him.
“It’s intended to show the healing power cycling can have on physical and mental health,” Sgt. Vazquez observed. “Physical activities help them cope with stress, and physical and mental concerns,” he noted. “I can attest to that. When we complete our service, part of us stays there. It isn’t easy to transition. Rides like this really help us rebuild that camaraderie and sense of community and get us outside the house. The Soldier Ride in New York is probably the most visible Wounded Warrior Project event.”
Sgt. Vazquez believes the bond he shares with Lt. Carty symbolizes the bond between the Marine Corps and the FDNY. “Like the Marine Corps, firefighters start together and they finish together. I thought our story could be a source of inspiration and unity. Firefighters and veterans share a lot of similar injuries.”
Lt. Carty visited Sgt. Vazquez during one of the ride’s rest stops in Sag Harbor, NY. “Gabe was telling me all about what he was doing for the Marines. He epitomizes the statement, ‘You want to get something done, ask a busy person to do it.’ He gets it done. He wears so many hats. He’s so committed.”
Sgt. Vazquez advocates tirelessly on behalf of veterans and maintains close ties with the St. John’s community. “A big part of what I do is amplify available resources for veterans and try to help eliminate the stigma that prevents them from using them. There are a multitude of resources being offered.”
Lt. Carty is amazed at the wealth of activities in which Sgt. Vazquez participates that benefit his brother Marines. “He’s such a good guy doing so many good things. I want to do whatever I can to help him.”
Reflecting on the incident, Lt. Carty said firefighters all have individual tasks to perform during a fire, but they must perform as a unit to be successful. Like the Marines, they enjoy an unshakable bond of brotherhood and camaraderie.
He added, “We don’t often get to see how the lives we touch turn out. This is an unbelievable story.”