FROM THE PILE

Michael seemed like a typical New Yorker and in a lot of ways he was. He had a swagger and an accent that was unmistakable. That''s what he wanted people to think about him. And he risked his life on 9/11 to come to the aid of his city. He was a hero-but that was not always the case throughout much of his life.

Rescued from a life that was heading into crime and prostitution, Michael was reset on a road to become a responsible citizen. But not being a "typical New Yorker" would steer him on a painful course in his search for a happy life-a life that he deemed willing to sacrifice in his efforts to help save lives. What happened in the years after that day would eventually lead him to local notoriety and acclaim.

He lived a shortened but colorful life. And he had a message to impart in his hope more lives can still be saved. This is his story.