When Denis Leary created Rescue Me, the world was still very raw and trying to cope with life in a post-9/11 world. With Rescue Me Leary, along with Peter Tolan were trying to shine a light on the lives and jobs of America’s firemen.

The show premiered in July of 2004, about three years after 343 members of the FDNY were killed while helping evacuate the World Trade Center on 9/11. This topic would be addressed many times by many shows but none seemed to show the long-term effects of the tragedy like Rescue Me. Tommy Gavin (portrayed by Leary) lost his cousin and part of his life that day, resulting in him turning to booze, fighting with family members, adultery, risky behavior on the job, and talking to the ghosts of those he lost. It was heavy at times yet completely hilarious at others. It showed the light and the dark of coping with tragedy.

Now, with the show ending the week of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, here are some of our favorite themes from the show.