Firefighter Stephen Elliot “Bells” Belson (1950–2001) was killed at the World Trade Center during fire and rescue operations following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Belson was born and raised in Flushing. He attended Francis Lewis High School and Lehman College, where he graduated with a degree in physical education in 1973. After moving to Rockaway Beach, Steve worked for several years as a lifeguard. The beach was "home" and he loved surfing. The beach at 92nd Street, where Steve patrolled as a lifeguard was named “Bells Beach.” With a group of fellow lifeguards, Steve joined the fire department. He worked for most of his 22 years on the job with the Ladder 24 Company on Manhattan's West Side. Over the years, many of his buddies took promotion exams and moved up the ranks, but Steve just wanted to be a firefighter, and he received many commendations for bravery. In 2001 Belson had seriously injured his back and was recovering from spinal surgery so he had accepted a lighter duty assignment to keep doing the job he loved with the FDNY. He was working as an aid to Battalion Chief Orio J. Palmer, when the Twin Towers were attacked, and both rushed to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 - neither returned. When last heard from, Belson had reached the 40th floor, racing to get to those who were trapped. Then he and the others were gone.