St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters is seen here climbing a crumbling ladder and holding a bucket. A ladder was chosen because so many of the firemen died on 9/11 going up the stairways. He honors all those firefighters who took part in the exhausting rescue effort and those who come to our aid and protect us each day. Bronze, six feet in height.  The actual Florian van Lorch lived from around 250 B.C. for 50-some years, became a high-ranking Roman soldier of great accomplishment in the Roman Fire Brigade, but in spite of his great service there was killed for the Christian beliefs.

The overall concept of the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero was the inspiration of Father Kevin Madigan, then Pastor of St. Peter's Church who administered St. Joseph's Chapel.  The Chapel had been damaged following the fall of the twin towers, and Father Madigan seized the opportunity of honoring those who died and took part in the recovery effort as the Chapel was renovated.  The idea of the commemorative saints and the underlying theme of life coming from the seed that dies in the ground (John 12:24), incorporated in the baptismal font, altar and window behind the altar all came from Father Madigan's prayerful planning.  His concept was executed by Lawrence Hoy of Renovata Studios.  

John Collier was chosen as the chief sculptor and created the patron saints of police, firefighters, workers plus a Mary Magdalene sculpture representing the Chapel theme, Resurrection, as she was the first witness to the Resurrection.  This sculpture is one of four by Collier to receive the coveted Optimé Award by Ministry and Liturgy.

In early 2018, as St. Josephs Chapel was closed, the four Ground Zero sculptures by John Collier were relocated to St. Peter's Church, the oldest Catholic Parish in New York State, where the sculptures can be seen today, outdoors on the portico near the entrance on Church Street.