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5 Heroic Facts About Scott Davidson, Pete Davidson's Father Who Died On 9/11

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The enduring influence of a hero's life and sacrifice remains a central, defining theme in comedian Pete Davidson's public persona and work. As of late December 2025, the story of Pete Davidson's father, Scott Matthew Davidson, continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, providing crucial context for the former Saturday Night Live star's unique brand of dark, self-deprecating humor and his candid discussions about mental health.

Scott Davidson was more than just a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; he was a decorated New York City firefighter, a dedicated family man, and a true hero whose bravery on that tragic day cemented his legacy. This deep-dive explores the life, heroism, and lasting impact of the man who shaped one of comedy's most polarizing figures.

Scott Matthew Davidson: A Firefighter's Biography and Heroic Profile

Scott Matthew Davidson’s life was marked by service, athleticism, and a profound commitment to his community. His story is one of a Staten Island native who embodied the spirit of a first responder long before his ultimate sacrifice.

  • Full Name: Scott Matthew Davidson
  • Date of Birth: January 4, 1968
  • Date of Death: September 11, 2001
  • Age at Death: 33
  • Cause of Death: Killed in the line of duty during the 9/11 terrorist attacks
  • Occupation: FDNY Firefighter (Badge No. 7119)
  • Unit: Brooklyn Ladder Company 118
  • Education: Graduated from the College of Staten Island (CSI)
  • Athletic Achievements: Captain of the CSI Dolphins basketball team; recipient of the Melvin Barmel Memorial Award for leadership
  • Marital Status: Married to Amy Waters Davidson
  • Children: Peter Michael Davidson (Comedian) and Casey Davidson (Daughter)
  • Other Roles: Bartender, teacher, and coach

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Scott Davidson's Last Day

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Scott Davidson was off-duty. He was at home with his family when the news of the World Trade Center attacks broke. He was only 33 years old, and Pete was just seven.

Despite not being scheduled to work, Firefighter Davidson immediately drove his truck to his firehouse, Ladder Company 118, in Brooklyn Heights.

He and his unit were among the first to respond, racing across the Brooklyn Bridge toward the unfolding disaster in Lower Manhattan.

Ladder 118 entered the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel, located between the two towers, to assist with the evacuation and rescue efforts.

Scott Davidson and his entire unit were inside the hotel when the South Tower collapsed, killing all of them. His body was never recovered.

His final act of heroism was an unwavering commitment to the FDNY oath, a defining moment that forever linked the Davidson family to the tragedy of 9/11 and the heroism of the first responders.

5 Defining Facts About Scott Davidson's Heroism and Legacy

The narrative of Scott Davidson is often dominated by his tragic death, but his life was filled with acts of bravery and a dedication to others that extended well beyond his FDNY career. These facts highlight the true scope of his character.

1. He Was a Hero Long Before 9/11

Scott Davidson’s heroism wasn't limited to his time as a New York firefighter. In 1984, before his FDNY career, he received awards for bravery from the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association and the VFW Auxiliary 3602.

The commendation was for saving his own father from a dangerous situation inside a grain bin. This early act of courage demonstrated a lifelong instinct to risk his own safety for the well-being of others.

2. The King of Staten Island Was a Direct Tribute

The 2020 semi-autobiographical film The King of Staten Island, co-written by and starring Pete Davidson, is the most profound public tribute to his late father.

The main character, Scott Carlin (played by Pete Davidson), is named after his father. The film explores the profound, complex grief of a young man whose life was derailed by the loss of his firefighter dad on 9/11.

The movie vividly portrays the ongoing struggle with loss, the search for a father figure, and the difficult process of finding a purpose after such a defining trauma.

3. Pete Davidson Honors Him With Tattoos and Names

Pete Davidson is famous for his extensive collection of tattoos, many of which are dedicated to his father. The most prominent is the number "8418," Scott Davidson's badge number, tattooed on his arm.

In a deeply personal tribute, Pete Davidson named his first child, a daughter, after his late father, a detail that emerged in late 2024. This act ensures that the name and memory of Scott Davidson continue through the next generation of the family.

4. He Was a College Basketball Star

Before joining the FDNY in 1994, Scott Davidson was a successful college athlete. He attended the College of Staten Island (CSI), where he was a standout player and captain of the Dolphins basketball team.

His leadership qualities were formally recognized when he received the Melvin Barmel Memorial Award upon graduation in 1990, an honor given to the team's captain.

5. His Death is the Root of Pete's Dark Humor and Mental Health Struggles

The trauma of losing his father at age seven fundamentally shaped Pete Davidson's life, leading to significant mental health challenges, including acting out in school and eventually being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Pete has openly discussed how he uses dark humor as a coping mechanism, a way to process the unimaginable tragedy. His ability to find comedy in the darkest corners of grief is a direct result of his father's death, making his stand-up not just entertainment, but a form of public therapy.

The Family He Left Behind: Amy and Casey Davidson

Scott Davidson’s widow, Amy Waters Davidson, played a crucial role in raising Pete and his younger sister, Casey Davidson, in the aftermath of the tragedy. Amy, who is of Irish descent, has maintained a very close bond with her son, often appearing in his comedy specials and even on SNL's Weekend Update segment.

Amy's strength and dedication as a single mother on Staten Island are frequently referenced by Pete, highlighting her as another pillar of stability in his turbulent life.

Casey Davidson, Pete's sister, also carries on their father's legacy, often sharing tributes to him on social media, further demonstrating the enduring presence of Scott Davidson in the family's life. The family unit, though broken by loss, remains tightly knit around the memory of the firefighter who gave his life for others.

Scott Matthew Davidson's story is the quintessential American hero narrative: a man who lived a life of service and made the ultimate sacrifice. His legacy is not just etched on the 9/11 Memorial but is actively lived out through the work and candid life of his famous son, Pete Davidson, ensuring that the firefighter from Brooklyn Ladder Company 118 is never forgotten.

pete davidson father
pete davidson father

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