Cemel “Java Joe” Cengiz immigrated to NY when in the ’70s. Joe joined the department on April 9, 1990, and was a loved and well-respected member of FDNY EMS who served the citizens and visitors of the City of NY for over 29 years. He was a first responder to the terrorist attack on the WTC, spending many months at the site during the Rescue and Recovery period. On July 11, 2005, Joe was promoted to Lieutenant, a job which he took great pride in doing. With his easygoing attitude and demeanor, Joe became a mentor to countless members of EMS throughout the years.
“Java Joe” was the nickname given to him because he was a Barista at heart, who always had a cup of coffee in his hand. He took his love of gardening to work and could be seen planting flowers around the station. Joe planned on returning to Turkey when he retired. Then on June 1, 2019, his dream came true, and he was finally able to retire. Unfortunately, Joe never made it back home, because he passed away 4 months after retiring, he succumbed to a myocardial infarction besides his FDNY family which loves him, Cemel is survived by his sister Serpil.
