Wendell Solomon Gabriel O’Brien (1966-2008) was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, where he spent his formative years. In 1999, he relocated his family to Rosedale, Queens. there he met Oswald Grannum, president of the 148th Drive & Community Block Association, Inc. and was encouraged to join the organization. His wife became the Secretary, and he was the representative at the 105th precinct meetings.

In 2001, he joined the New York City Fire Department where he served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a union delegate, and a counselor. During his career, he received numerous commendations for bravery from the New York City Fire Department, the office of the mayor and many civic organizations. He was recognized by the New York Post in 2003 for saving the life of a neighbor’s child, in addition to preventing a suicidal woman from throwing herself into the East River in 2005.

After his death, the New York City Fire Department honored him at a Memorial Celebration co-hosted by the New York Liberty Women’s Basketball team at Madison Square Garden on Friday, June 26, 2009. There he received a Proclamation from then-Assembly member Michele Titus.