Vernon Cherry (1951-2001), aka "Cowboy", served the City of New York as a firefighter at Ladder Company No. 118. Born and raised in Woodside, Queens, Vernon Cherry enjoyed a distinguished 28-year career as a firefighter. He was also well known for his outstanding singing voice, which he often used in support of charitable causes.

On September 11th Vernon Cherry answered the call of fire and rescue operations following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and perished, at the age of 49, in the collapse of the twin towers.