William C. Olsen
FDNY-EMS
New York, New York
Born in Brooklyn, Bill attended Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, and in 1980, he started a career with the New York City Emergency Medical Service. This was a 30-year career that would bring him to the aide of countless people in need of help, including the first and second attacks on the World Trade Center. He worked tirelessly in the weeks and months following both attacks.
One of the many monikers he carried was “Captain Black Cloud” as many a quiet shift was suddenly ruined when he came on duty. Having worked in various roles including communications and special operations, Captain Olsen was well respected and many officers would seek him out for advice and guidance. Committed to public service in every aspect of his life, he also volunteered as an EMT with Bravo Volunteer Ambulance Services in Brooklyn.
Mr. Olsen was an avid New York Yankees and football Giants fan, and was a Civil War history enthusiast. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two granddaughters.
He retired in 2010 from FDNY EMS Station 23 in Rossville on Staten Island. On June 1, 2014, Bill succumbed to illness directly related to the time spent searching the debris in the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero.
Honored 2016