The remains of Captain Vernon Allen Richard, of Nanuet, who died saving the lives of others during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, have been positively identified. Richard, 53, was a firefighter with Tower Ladder 7 in Manhattan. He was one of 18 New York Fire Dept. members from Rockland County killed when terrorists destroyed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Vernon is predeceased by his father, Harold, and brothers, Harold II and Derek. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dorothy, and two children: Vernon Allen Richard II and Vernessa; his mother Juanita; daughter-in-law Dawn; granddaughters Skylar and Leila; and a host of close relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also his beloved "brothers" from Engine 16 and Ladder 7. Richard became a firefighter in 1977 because it gave him joy to help others, his wife said. He was a Lieutenant, but was promoted to Captain five days after his death. Richard enjoyed jogging around Rockland Lake and ran in the NYC Marathon six times. He was active throughout Rockland. In June 1996 he was ordained a Deacon and served at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley. He was also a member of the church's Male Choir and an advisor of the Community Youth Council. Religious Services will be held on Friday June 13 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley with Burial to follow in the Fred Loescher Rockland Co. Veterans Cemetery in Monsey, NY. Arrangements by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, New City, NY. MICHAEL J. HIGGINS FUNERAL SERVICE 321 S. Main St., New City (845) 634-6110