Motorcycle
Dream Bike
- Description
- 1979 Honda motorcycle restored and transformed into the "Dream Bike" in memory of firefighter Gerard Baptiste. The bike is primarily black with red. The logo for Engine 33 is on the right side of the gas tank. On the left side is a yellow Maltese cross logo for Engine 33 "Bowery U" firehouse. "F.D.N.Y" is in large gold-colored lettering on the right side below the seat and next to the engine. The license plate reads "FDNY 782." A nameplate by the console is engraved "In Memory of Gerard Baptiste | FDNY Ladder 9 Badge 782."
The top of the gas tank includes an ornate cross surrounded by 10 roses, 2 helmets (one with 33 and the other with 9) symbolizing the Engine 33 and Ladder 9 house. In the center of the cross is a banner "Lest we forget" with "9.11.01" at the top and "343" below. - Historical Notes
- Dominican Republic native Gerard Baptiste lived in the Bronx. He served with the U.S. Army National Guard and FDNY Ladder Company 9. FDNY coworkers nicknamed him Biscuits for his habit of carrying dog treats as an overture to meet local dog walkers. In August, Gerard bought a used motorcycle, planning to restore it. On September 11, Firefighter Baptiste responded to the towers. He was 35 years old.
Curator's Comment
In summer 2001, Firefighter Gerard Baptiste of FDNY Ladder Company 9 purchased a battered 1979 Honda motorcycle intending to restore it to good working order. His fellow firefighters joked that it would take time and money just to start the engine. Following Baptiste’s death on 9/11, the broken-down motorcycle remained at the firehouse until a feature article appeared in Backroads magazine. Surviving members of Ladder Company 9 and Rising Wolf Garage, with support from Honda and motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide, took on the restoration in place of Baptiste. The Dream Bike, as it became known, shows 10 roses painted on the cover of the gas tank—the number of members of Ladder Company 9 and Engine Company 33 who were killed on 9/11.
- Accession Number: C.2014.489.1
- Dimensions: 52.5 in X 90 in X 34.5 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 133.35 cm X 228.6 cm X 87.63 cm
- Source: Michael and Nuri Wernick
- Credit Line: Gift of Ladder Company 9 and Engine Company 33 in memory of Gerard Baptiste
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