Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old from Upper Nyack who was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower on 9/11, is credited with rescuing at least 10 people from the burning building, while covering his nose and mouth with a red bandana to protect himself from the smoke.
He made several trips up and down stairwells, helping people escape. Eventually, he joined a group of New York City firefighters who were working to free people who were trapped before the building collapsed.
He died with the group of firefighters in the South Tower’s lobby, where his body was found in a makeshift command center. The New York City Fire Department named Crowther an honorary firefighter in 2006.
Nyack High School alumnus Welles Remy Crowther’s picture and signature red bandanna are on display at Nyack High School.
Crowther became known as the “Man in the Red Bandana,” as survivors he had helped rescue shared their stories of the mysterious person wearing a bandana who came to their aid.
Departed Soles Brewing Company in Jersey City has released an American-style pilsner called “Red Bandana” this week to remember Crowther’s sacrifice. This is the fifth year the company has been releasing the beer, which was brewed in collaboration with Crowther’s family. Sales from the craft beer will benefit the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, and other causes benefiting 9/11 victims and families.
Crowther grew up in Upper Nyack and volunteered as a firefighter there, along with his father, at Empire 1 Hook & Ladder Company. He studied and played lacrosse at Boston College before joining an investment bank at the World Trade Center as a rookie equities trader.
Red Bandana, an American-style pilsner has been released to raise money for 9/11 families.
Brian Kulbacki, the owner of Departed Soles, graduated from Boston College in 2008, nine years after Welles, but heard his story at their shared alma mater, which holds several charity events each year in his name.
“We always said we’ll never forget, and now 24 years later it feels like sometimes people do forget,” he said. “It’s important to always bring the focus back on the survivors, victims and their families and the struggles they go through.”
The recipe for the American-style pilsner evolves slightly each year but uses as much American grains and hops as possible, resulting in a light, drinkable beer “that appeals to everybody,” Kulbacki said.
After Red Bandana’s first release five years ago, one of the people Crowther rescued contacted the brewery, sharing their story. A family in Long Island, who named their son Welles after Crowther, visits the brewery each September.
“Welle’s story has touched so many,” Kulbacki said. “That’s what matters most to me. Craft beer is struggling right now, but it’s really important to me to give back to the community.”
Red Bandana will be available this week on draft at The Local in Nyack, New York, Tavern on the Lake in Hightstown, The Madison in Hoboken and Stirling Tavern in Morristown. The beer will be sold in cans at Petrock’s Liquors in Hillsborough, Village Wines in Jersey City, Buy Rite Liquors in Holmdel, and will also be available in the Departed Soles Tasting Room at 150 Bay St. in Jersey City.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Brewery releases Red Bandana beer to raise money for 9/11 families