Most people out there probably know Steve Buscemi from any of his countless film and TV appearances from Reservoir Dogs all the way through to Boardwalk Empire via Ghost World. What you probably didn’t know about him though was that before he became a famous actor, he was actually a fireman in New York City, serving at Engine Co. 55 in Little Italy during the early 80s.

Following 9/11, Buscemi returned to help his brothers in the fire service clean up the remains of the blast site and worked relentless 12 hour shifts. Not much is known about this and there are no photographs, as Buscemi declined all media attention during his work because ‘he wasn’t there for the publicity’.

Here’s an account from the FDNY’s Facebook page:

Images VIA 

Do you recognize this man? Do you know his name?

Lots of people know he’s an actor, and that his name is Steve Buscemi.

What very few people realize is that he was once one of New York’s Bravest.

In 1976 Steve Buscemi took the FDNY civil service test when he was just 18 years old. In 1980 Steve Buscemi became a New York City Firefighter.

For four years, Buscemi served on one of FDNY’s busiest, Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan’s Little Italy. He later left the fire service to become a successful actor, writer and director.

After 9/11/2001… Brother Buscemi returned to FDNY Engine 55.

On September 12, 2001 and for several days following Brother Steve worked 12-hour shifts alongside other firefighters digging and sifting through the rubble from the World Trade Center looking for survivors.

Very few photographs and no interviews exist because he declined them. He wasn’t there for the publicity.

In 2003 he also gave a speech at a union rally supporting higher wages for firefighters and to stop fire houses from closing. He got arrested along with other firefighters.

Also not very well known is that in 2012 Brother Buscemi showed up in Breezy Point, NY and quietly assisted in the clean-up efforts of the damage and mass destruction left by Super Storm Sandy.

Once a brother, always a brother!

Just so we’re clear… this guy is a Badass!!!

Tip of the helmet Brother Steve!

Wow, if you didn’t already love Steve Buscemi, then here’s a damn good reason to respect him. Failing that, at least appreciate how dumb this dress with his face on it is.