Vigilant President Kenneth Bleck Dies From Cancer He Developed From 9/11

Kenneth Bleck, President of the Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company, Inc., died Thursday, Sept. 15 after a long battle with cancer that he developed from breathing in toxic waste following the 9/11 attacks.

Bleck, 64, served as a member of the department for 24 years, serving as an officer for 20 years. He previously served as First Corporal of EMS, Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“For the entire length of my membership, Kenny Bleck was a constant at the Vigilant Fire Company,” said Chief Joshua Forst. “He was such a dominant presence that I can’t even begin to imagine what it will be like without him.”

Bleck, beloved by many, was voted an Honorary Chief, one of the Company’s highest honors, at a Vigilant Company meeting in August.

Bleck led two ambulances to Ground Zero before being redirected to Chelsea Piers on Sept. 11, 2001. He returned to Ground Zero the next day where he served as EMT and helped dig through the rubble. During his rescue efforts, Bleck breathed in toxic waste that eventually gave him esophageal cancer, the most prevalent cancer associated with the World Trade Center.

“Not only was Kenny a Vigilant, but he was also my business partner and one of my closest friends,” Chairman David Weiss said. “He gave his life serving his community and I will miss him dearly.”

His life was celebrated Sunday night at Vigilant Fire Company Headquarters, located at 83 Cutter Mill Road. Services for family will also be held at noon Monday at Gutterman’s, located at 8000 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.

Bleck grew up in East Meadow, graduated from Old Dominion University and moved to Great Neck in 1977.

He owned Nu-Clear Drive in Cleaners on Middle Neck Road. One of his employees, Letty Flores, wrote: “I have lost someone who was not only my boss, but was also like a father to me.”

“It’s a shame to see such a great leader pass away,” Great Neck Estates Mayor David Fox said. “As mayor, I knew Ken as a resident, a business owner, and as a member of the Vigilant Fire Company. He was a tremendous ally and someone who always had the residents’ best interests at heart.”

He is survived by his wife Linda and their two children, Jamie (Matt) and Carrie, as well as three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made in Bleck’s name to either the Vigilant Fire Company or to Hadassah.

Image via Vigilant Fire Company