NYPD Detective Joseph V. Vigiano and FDNY Firefighter John T. Vigiano were honored at a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero on September 8, 2026, by the Detectives Endowment Association (DEA). The ceremony recognized their sacrifices during the September 11, 2001, attacks, where both brothers responded to the World Trade Center. Joseph Vigiano Jr., son of Detective Vigiano and an NYPD officer himself, spoke about the support he received from the 75th precinct after losing his father. He noted, "Post-9/11, after I lost my father, the officers of the 75th precinct became a second family to me."
Joseph Vigiano was 34 years old when he died while attempting to save victims in the North Tower, making him one of only two NYPD detectives killed that day. His brother John, aged 36, died alongside four other firefighters from Ladder Company 132 while responding to the South Tower shortly before its collapse.
The DEA laid a wreath inscribed with "Never Forgotten" and displayed photographs of the 79 NYPD detectives who have died from 9/11-related illnesses since the attacks. DEA President Scott Munroe stated, "We’re remembering all of our detectives, not just those who passed on 9/11 but also those that have passed from 9/11 related illnesses. We have three in hospice right now. This number just keeps going up. We will remember every year, not just this year."
The legacy of the Vigiano brothers continues through their three sons, Joseph Jr., John, and Jimmy, who have all pursued careers as first responders. Their family tradition was featured in the 2025 documentary "Twin Towers: Legacy." Kathy Vigiano, the widow of Detective Vigiano, expressed pride in her sons, stating, "Their father would be very proud of all three of our boys … They’re just living to honor their father."
The ceremony was attended by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Governor Kathy Hochul, who had just come from a dedication ceremony for members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and on 9/11.