KASPER was named for CHARLES L. KASPER, who paid the ultimate price in the attack on America September 11, 2001. Charles Kasper, 54, Staten Island, New York, who was promoted to deputy fire chief with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) five days after 9/11, lost his life in the World Trade Center on that tragic day, which happened to be his day off. Dedicated to the mission his job exalted, Mr. Kasper found a spare fire truck and drove to the scene using his motto "Drive it like it's stolen." Little did he know that dedication was to manifest itself only one last time. Known as a great tennis player, Mr. Kasper and his wife played in doubles tennis tournaments for years. Besides his dedication to his job, he was also dedicated to his family. Mr. Kasper is survived by his wife, Laureen; children Kara, Melissa, and Michael; and beloved grandson, Dylan. In fact, his last words to his family were to tell his daughter and his "most precious grandson, Dylan" he'd be there soon. Mr. Kasper held a degree in business from Long Island University. We salute Mr. Kasper, a hero, and name this handsome Siberian Husky in his honor.

(Source: The New York Times 9/26/01 and 12/9/01)