Crime & Safety
Hagerman Fire Dept. Marks 9/11 Anniversary
Volunteers were joined by members of the community to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001
Families and residents of East Patchogue gathered on the lawn of Sunday to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The Department decided to give back to the community, offering a free barbeque and tours of the station for guests following the service led by John Tew, Chief of the Department, with officers standing beside him.
“I’m sure everyone in this crowd has a story from that day,” Tew said. “These gentlemen here had a choice, they wanted to go in and help.”
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Tew, along with the firemen of engine six, were on duty at Ground Zero that day when friend and colleague Andrew Desperito was killed in the collapse of the second tower.
The training building for new firefighters was named in memory of Desperito along with Andrew Desperito Way, the road next to the station.
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“Whenever we go in there for training, he’s always on our minds, and he’s always giving back even though he’s not here,” Tew said.
The service recognized Desperito and others when Tew allowed the audience to call out names of those lost.
“We have good leaders, we have excellent volunteers, but more importantly we have great Americans,” Greg Miglino Jr., Chief of South Country Ambulance Company, said. “When tested, we band together, stronger than the steel of a building, and cast out our enemies.”
A large piece of steel was as a symbol to the lives lost and hope for those grieving.
“The piece of steel that we’ve acquired will memorialize that fateful day forever for future generations to reflect back,” Carl Forgione, Chairman of the Firefighter’s Commission, said. “To the members of the Hagerman Fire Dept., I applaud you all for making this memorial a reality, and to the community, I urge you all never to forget this day.”
A photo presentation by President of Patchogue Auxiliary Unit 269 Cathy Leggio-Beer was followed by a lyrical dance performance from Releve Dance Centre in Blue Point that moved the crowd to tears.
Commissioner Joe Gonnelly expressed his gratitude to the department and the support they’ve received from the community after Desperito’s death.
“It was a great loss to Hagerman, and this is a day of remembrance for us to make everyone stronger,” Gonnelly said.
