Fishbone to be honored by Maglite for 9/11 heroics

A New Jersey man who helped lead a group of people to safety during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York using a Maglite flashlight will be honored today by the company.

Gary Fishbone, 56, an electrical contractor, will be presented with Mag Instrument’s first Maglite Civilian Hero Award during a ceremony at the company’s headquarters, 2001 S. Hellman Way in Ontario, according to a statement.

Fishbone used the small flashlight to lead 14 people out of a dust and debris-filled corridor in Tower 7 to a set of outdoor loading docks. Although Fishbone was familiar with the building, he says he could not have found his way out of the corridor without the flashlight.

Mag Instrument Inc. makes high-end flashlights used by law enforcement and the military. Fishbone, his wife and son will also meet with Tony Maglica, Mag Instument’s founder, and tour the facility.

“I don’t know that much about the award but I’m looking forward to receiving it,” Fishbone said. “I feel honored.”