Christian Michael Otto Regenhard (born August 25, 1973 in New York City, New York, USA - died September 11, 2001 in New York City) was a Regenhard became an advocate for skyscraper safety after the death of her 28-year old son, Christian, a New York City Fire Department newcomer who perished after the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. A 28-year old native of Co-op City in the borough of the Bronx in New York City, his death (and the deaths of all others who were at the World Trade Center that tragic day) helped inspire his mother, Sally Regenhard (along with her husband Al, her daughter Christina, and Monica Gabrielle, a widow who lost her husband Richard as a result of the collapse of the towers), to launch the Skyscraper Safety Campaign, a national non-profit organization that has four main goals:
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Demand a federal investigation (via the use of subpoenas) into the collapse of the World Trade Center, including information on its design, evacuation procedures, and "firefighting techniques".

To promote improved compliance of building and fire codes in New York City and nationwide, and assuring the safety of firefighters and residents (and workers) who reside and work in such structures.

To educate "codes groups" in allowing fire departments in having a say in the building of new skyscrapers. The "code groups" will be assembled by a mixed group of fire services officials and engineers, replacing the present "code groups" who are composed mainly of bureaucrats, builders, and others who have little or no knowledge of fire safety.

To have say and voice in the construction of the Freedom Tower and all other structures built at Ground Zero, thus assuring that newly revised fire safety codes are enforced.

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Early Years

Born and raised in the Bronx, Christian received his primary and secondary education in schools in that borough. An alum of the extremely notable Bronx High School of Science, he enrolled in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19 years old and served a total of five years before he was honorably discharged. After his service, he traveled to over 22 countries throughout the world, which allowed him to develop an affinity for the people and cultures of South America. Upon his return home, he decided to become a New York City firefighter and began required training immediately.<ref> Legacy.com: Christian Michael Otto Regenhard from Legacy.com October 24, 2001</ref>

September 11==

On September 11, Christian was on duty at Ladder 131, Engine 279 firehouse located in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn when the call came to rush to the World Trade Center to assist in the evacuation of workers from the both towers. While he was was assisting in the evacuation of workers and others who were in North Tower, when the towers suddenly began to crumble as a result of the crash of American Airlines Flight 11 at 8:46am that morning. As evacuation measures continued, the towers ultimately collapsed due to the weight of the airplane and other structural damage caused by the plane's collision with the structure. Christian along with 343 other firefighters perished in the aftermath.<ref> Tampa attorneys file 9/11 lawsuit from the St. Petersburg Times December 24, 2003</ref>

==Legacy

In order to find meaningful ways to remember her son's legacy and his sacrifice, Sally Regenhard has worked with many notable politicians to keep his memory alive. On July 18, 2006, Sally and her family, with the assistance of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, dedicated the Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice located in Manhattan. Presently it is a web-based program offered by the college, but it is expected that a permanent building and memorial will be dedicated within a few years.<ref> "Emergency program honors 9/11 hero" from Gotham Gazette July 18, 2006</ref>

In addition to this fitting memorial, Sally Rengehard has become one of the most vocal and visible critics of Rudolph Giuliani, who was Mayor of New York City at the time of the attacks. Riding on a wave of popularity for his handling of the crisis, Giuliani became a household name throughout the world. With plenty of media coverage and high public approval ratings, he became a major candidate to win the Republican nomination for the 2008 presidential race. Regenhard has dedicated herself in trying to derail his campaign by exposing what she sees as the hidden truths of his tenure as mayor.

She made national headlines in May 2004, when during a televised public hearing on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, she vocally interrupted Giuliani while he was giving a speech.<ref> Giuliani Hears 'your government trained and funded Al-Qaeda' at end of Commission Hearing from CSPAN May 19, 2004</ref> Making appearances on various news-related programs on such networks as CNN and CSPAN, many see her as the equivalent of Cindy Sheehan for the families of 9/11 victims .<ref> "CNN SUNDAY MORNING: Interview with Christine Papasso, Sally Regenhard, Richard Saracelli" from CNN March 10, 2002</ref>

See also

9/11 Family Steering Committee

References

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External links

Skyscraper Safety Campaign

Regenhard's testimory to the 9/11 Commission

Sally Regenhard interview from YouTube

Christian Regenhard memorial website

Christian Regenhard Memorial Page on FindAGrave

John Jay College of Criminal Justice