Robert Pape Jr

Robert J. Pape, Jr. has resided in Port Washington, NY for the last 28 years. After a successful 25 year career as a practicing attorney, Pape now spends his time as a consultant to various non profit organizations in the Greater New York City area, with an expertise on increasing mission awareness and facilitating major and planned gifts. Robert J. Pape, Jr. has been a member of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of the Port Washington Fire Department since May, 2000. Since joining the department, Robert J. Pape, Jr. has maintained his status as an interior structural firefighter. Additionally, Pape is a certified first responder under the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. PApe. became a New York State licensed Emergency Medical Technician-B in November, 2010.

Robert J. Pape, Jr. was a first responder to the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Working in New York City at the time as a practicing attorney, Pape responded to the nearest firehouse which was FDNY Engine 65. Upon seeing that Engine 65 had already responded to the attack, Pape reported to the FDNY's Ninth Battallion in midtown Manhattan where he remained until the early afternoon. Robert J. Pape, Jr. spent a 12 hour shift at ground zero on the Saturday evening following the attack.

In March, 2002 Robert J. Pape,Jr. was nearly killed while fighting a structure fire in Port Washington NY, with a report of persons trapped above the fire floor. Pape fell through a hidden air shaft on the roof and suffered injuries from the 40 foot fall. Pape recovered from his injuries and rejoined active duties with the PWFD.
As a result of these life instances, Pape was diagnosed with clinical depression in late 2002. The condition was present for many years, but remained dormant until Pape's experience with the 9/11 attack. Pape sought professional and medical help for the disease which he battled for the next seven years. Pape'sclinical depression responded well to treatments and is now in remission. Since this experience, Pape has become an advocate for the treatment of clinical depression.Pape has told his story of dealing with clinical depression publicly to civic and professional organizations, including the New York State and Florida Bar Associations, with the desire to increase awareness of the disease, its symptoms and the various options for treatment which are available.