MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Joseph Michael Cammarata, New York City Police Officer, New York City Firefighter, Author, and Real Estate Developer
Joseph Michael Cammarata was born in New York City in July of 1977. Son of Joseph and Linda Cammarata, he was raised with his siblings Kimberly and Michael in a home that instilled strong family and ethical values in him. Joseph, while playing Little League Baseball learned the value of teamwork and friendship. It was within that great organization that he recognized the importance of the Little League motto, Character, Courage, and Loyalty. It is this motto that has laid the foundation for Joseph’s life.
Joseph always dreamed of being a New York City Firefighter alongside his brother Michael, but when the New York City Police Department called him to duty first, he took the job, he wanted to be at the service of the community in whatever way possible. After the events of 9-11, and after his younger brother Michael’s untimely death as a rookie firefighter that day, Joseph went to the New York City Fire Department in January 2002, despite resistance from his family. He believed that nothing should ever stand in the way of your dreams and goals in life.
After retiring from the Fire Department in 2006, Joseph expanded his family’s New York based Real Estate Development firm. While Joseph was Vice president of Operations, he saw opportunity in Florida and New Jersey. It was at this time that he set up two additional divisions of the business which provided top quality houses at prices that made sense.
Joseph returned to his college studies in 2007 at St John's University. It was there Joseph became an expert at time management. He was working forty hour work weeks while he was a full time student taking eighteen credits. With this enormous workload he managed to secure a spot on the Dean’s list several semesters in a row. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
In 2009, Joseph transitioned from Real Estate Development to Real Estate sales. Licensed in New York and New Jersey, it was at this time he recognized the saturation of housing in the country. With the country’s best interest in mind, he believed he could assist in moving stagnate housing inventory. Also in 2009, Joseph wrote and published his true life story and experiences of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Titled, Face of Courage- Rise from the Rubble, his intentions in writing this book was to heal as a person, to achieve closure from that day, and to tell many people the life lessons he took from the tragedy, and a strong message of recovery he needs to tell.
Joseph is also a devoted husband to Stephanie, and a loving father of Francesca Lynn. He is aggressively pursuing a Law degree, with intentions of utilizing it to serve the public once again. Whom You Know has recommended his book:
We are so pleased to present him as our latest Mover and Shaker. Peachy Deegan interviewed Joseph Michael Cammarata for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: We loved your story. Has it received the response you anticipated?
Joseph Michael Cammarata: It has received the response I have anticipated, I am very fortunate to have these supporters in my life.
What did you learn most about yourself through writing the book?
I learned what was necessary to heal as a person. I opened up my soul so I could identify the gifts that were left to me as a result of September 11th. I also learned that I am not invincible, sometimes you need rely on the one's closest to you for support during trying times.
If your brother were here today, what would he think after reading the book?
He would be moved at the thought of me writing a chapter about him, let alone an entire book. He would be proud of me, and feel he did his job in his passing by inspiring me to chase my dreams.
What do you want the world to remember about your brother?
He was America's youngest NYC firefighter to die on 9-11. He was a 22 year old hero who was a role model to me, and many other Americans. He was someone who was charismatic, and was a great leader to many.
What do you think of the controversy about the mosque being built near the World Trade Center? In my opinion, Ground Zero is hallowed ground, and any type of religious worship should respect that final resting place of thousands. All are welcome to pray at the site. It is a universal house of worship, no other structures are necessary within CLOSE proximity.
Will your daughter play Little League baseball?
Little League Baseball is essential in molding young children of our community, she will definitely play. [Peachy: Great! We love girls and women's sports too!]
In what ways would you like to serve the public in the future?
I am aggressively pursuing a Law Degree currently. Once I am an attorney, I intend to utilize it in public practice for the community, as well as run for a political position in NYC.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
Since September 11, 2001, one of the gifts that Michael had left behind for me was the message to value life, and get whatever you can out of it, we are only here for a little while. Michael has given me the tools necessary to maintain my tremendous drive needed to EXECUTE all my goals.
What are you proudest of and why?
I am proud to be an American. Being an American has given me tremendous opportunity to set goals without restrictions, and pursue them with confidence.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Become an attorney, and practice in a Political Forum.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
As a Police Officer, the 9-11 first responder Medal.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Central Park
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Abracadabra Costume Shop
What is your favorite drink?
Michelob Ultra, and a crisp Mojito
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Blue Smoke
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
This is New York. A photo montage of the city during and after 9-11. The expressions on our faces needed no words.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
The statue of the Bull on Broadway, it signifies aggression and strength.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Playing Ice hockey at the old Sky Rink or Chelsea Piers.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Ride the Ferry, then the Subway, eat a Hot Dog and Pretzel, watch a Broadway play, and go to a Yankee game all in one day!
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
Concerts in Bryant and Central Parks.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated- Convenience of the N.Y.C Mass transit system. Overrated-Times Square
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Big Apple Business - it keeps me up to speed on business from a New York perspective.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I have a beautiful wife Stephanie of 5 years, and an amazing 3 1/2 year old daughter Francesca Lynn.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
