If only Robert Zane Jr. could see his son now. Bobby has grown into a funny, persevering, and energetic young man. Bobby Zane, currently a sophomore student at Connecticut’s Sacred Heart University, has excelled in his academic pursuits and is resolved to see his dreams come true. After he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in two years, he has big plans: get into and graduate from law school, pass the bar, and practice criminal and family law in New York.
His goal? To help others just like his father, a police officer.
Like his father, Zane wants to serve in a career that makes a difference. And although for a long time he had planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the New York City Police Department (NYPD), he now hopes his new career goal will honor his father. Zane hopes he can help the most vulnerable of society seek justice.
Zane’s father’s career was sadly cut short on May 12, 2009, when he passed away due to kidney cancer. Zane was just 3 years old.
Zane’s father, Robert Anthony Zane Jr., learned the disease was a result of his heroic rescue and recovery efforts on September 11 at Ground Zero. On that fateful, tragic day, the senior Zane, who worked with NYPD Transit District 34, heeded the call to help with rescue and recovery at the ruins of the World Trade Center. One of the first to volunteer from his unit, he served as a bucket brigade worker for months, sifting through piles of burning hot debris. His exposure to deadly toxins and dust was ultimately why he developed cancer.
Of the few memories Zane has of his father, he vaguely remembers that they would watch planes take off and land at the Long Island MacArthur Airport. And he remembers his mother telling him that “God needed more cops in heaven, so He chose Daddy.”
Reduced to one income after the senior Zane passed away, the little family of two made the best of their situation over the years. Junior Zane said that in order to reach his dreams, financial assistance would be imperative because tuition is very expensive, and too big of a burden for his mother. He was searching for financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. That’s when he stumbled upon the First Responders Children’s Foundation two years ago. He found a godsend: a scholarship for the children and family members of first responders who’ve been killed or injured in the line of duty, including law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, and fire and rescue personnel.
Meeting the needs of the first responders community for 23 years, the foundation exists to provide direct financial assistance, bereavement grants, and college scholarships. From Zane’s experience, the foundation’s impact on his life extends beyond the scholarship. With the recent launch of the foundation’s financial wellness program, he has learned how to repay student loans and budget wisely. The organization’s mission is to give first responder families the tools to achieve their goals and dreams, and help secure their future financially.
Because the First Responders Children’s Foundation has honored his father’s sacrifice, as well as others who died in the line of duty, Zane said he will never take its kindness for granted. Before he knew about the foundation, it was difficult to find someone to talk to about the challenges of growing up without his father. “It feels like you’re in a shell and [it’s] tough to discuss your situation.” But whenever he thought about his father’s sacrifice during 9/11, he was reminded to keep pushing toward his career goal no matter the circumstances.
He hopes to inspire other children of first responder parents, to show them that success is possible despite the challenges. “Stay on the track! If you want it, trust your gut and go with what you believe. Honestly, if things fail, there is a way to fix it. It’s not the end of the line or the world. And, you can always get back up.”
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
