On eve of 9/11 anniversary, Mets visit NYC firehouse

NEW YORK -- For nine years running, David Wright has made a point of visiting a New York City firehouse on or around Sept. 11.

This year, on the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the third baseman brought along some star power.

Pitchers Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler joined Wright and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon at FDNY Engine 54 and Ladder 4, which lost all 16 of its members on Sept. 11, 2001. There, the Mets met and dined with the house's current corps of firefighters.

"This is one of those things where as soon as you hear about it, you want to get involved," said Harvey, who was attending middle school in Connecticut when the attacks took place. "I'm very, very proud to represent the Mets and be here."

Over the past decade, the Mets have become deeply involved with Tuesday's Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of every individual impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, including the families of fallen firefighters. Visiting firefighters around the city has also become an annual tradition for the team.

"It means a lot to do it year in, year out," Wilpon said. "Just to come out there and guys give their time, and to hear their stories ... I think the chief said before, telling the stories is part of their healing every year."

As Wilpon related this particular firehouse's story, Engine 54's crew was coming off its regular night shift on the morning of Sept. 11, preparing to stow their rigs, when word of the terrorist attacks filtered in. All 16 firefighters jumped back into the rigs to head downtown. None returned.

"Talking to the chief over there, nobody's going to forget," Harvey said. "It's something we're very honored to be here for and support. What they've done, it's tremendous."