A New York City firefighter from Pelham who lost his life on 9/11 was remembered Saturday with a softball game fundraiser.

Forty-six-year-old Lieutenant Joseph Leavey was leading the men of Ladder Company 15 on September 11, 2001. Twelve teams with 10 members each braved the 90-degree heat and hit the baseball diamonds at Glover Field in Pelham to play in the sixth annual Community Softball Tournament to honor Leavey and collect money for a foundation in his name.

His wife Carol Leavey says her husband was as devoted to Pelham as he was to his beloved fire department. ?We used to call him the mayor of Pelham. He was just a lovable, likeable guy. He loved people and he loved his community,? said Leavey?s wife.

Organizers hope to raise $10,000 from Saturday's softball tournament. The Lieutenant Joseph Leavey Foundation has already contributed $30,000 to buy school books and upgrade a school ball field in Pelham.