Modern American Firefighter

Who can ever forget what happened on September 11, 2001 when two hijacked airliners crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, causing the collapse of both buildings and killing all inside, including the brave men from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), New York City Police Department and Port Authority Police Department who had rushed into the burning building to try and rescue those trapped inside.

In 2002, Hot Toys released this Firefighter (perhaps in tribute to those who gave up their lives) and at that point in time, it was the most detailed 1/6 firefighter ever produced. There was a Modern Firefighter by Real Heroes, ERTL Collectibles in 1999, along with the release of their Modern Police Officer but it paled in comparison to Hot Toys Firefighter.

His bio reads: Jeffrey Kasper, 32 years old, 170lb, 6'2". Hot Toys would release two more firefighters with the likeness of John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix from the movie "Ladder 49 (2004)" and these would be the version 2 firefighters

His fire fighting gear - Leather fire helmet with traditional embossed ivy pattern, Air Pak oxygen tank with metal carrying frame and harness, PASS (Personal Assistance Safety System) device and gas mask with regulator, high beam torchlight with shoulder strap, walkie talkie radio with remote coiled lapel microphone, angle torchlight, helmet flashlight and door stopper.

His fire fighting equipment - "Jaws of Life" pneumatic tool with rubber hose, halligan tool and flat head fire axe - all die-cast of course!

He wears face hood, blue vest with suspenders and his firefighting turnout gear with abseiling harness and flame resistant boots

The metal buckles and hooks are amazing

His firefighter's jacket with reflective tape, all weathered for good effect. Headsculpt looks like Tom Cruise. Hot Toys were using this sculpt a lot at that time for their figures.

His full gear - now where's the fire?

Close-up of his firefighting gear - very nice stuff by Hot Toys

His helmet has the neck protector and his oxygen tank is very detailed and authentic

Close-up of his O2 tank

Helmet also comes with the face shield which could be lowered to protect his face

Comes with an American flag - let's take a moment to remember these heroes who gave up their lives attempting to save others. They ran back into the building when everyone else was running out. That's courage under fire.

A total of 2,992 people died in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on board United Flight 93.

UPDATE September 11, 2012: Remembering 9/11, 11 years on - Never Forget!