Retired FDNY Firefighter Searches for Cherished Helmet Stolen in Burglary

Three years after a burglar broke into his home, former FDNY firefighter Michael O'Connell is still searching for the special helmet he wore every day before retiring, including on Sept. 11.

"This is something that means a lot to me. As most firemen know, a helmet is sacred, it tells their story," said O'Connell.

The thief who broke into his Westbury, Long Island home stole firefighter memorabilia, including that cherished helmet.

"The helmet means everything. Every job I was ever at, every collapse, every fire, 9/11," he said. "The helmet tells my story and it's something I've treasured my whole life."

Determined to get it back, Michael posted a picture of his son Aidan wearing the helmet on social media. Millions have seen the photo and now the father has hope that one day he'll be able to give his children a personal piece of history.

"This way they could actually look up at the wall one day and say maybe to their children, 'That was my father. That was your grandfather. He was there that day and he was part of a brotherhood,'" he said.

O'Connell's family has turned into part-time detectives scouring the Internet in case someone's trying to steal the helmet. It is very unique, with shield number 4073 is on the front. If you have information, you can reach O'Connell here.

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