The memorial pays tribute to Firehouse 288 and Hazmat 1, which experienced the largest loss of FDNY firefighters.
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Queens and Maspeth community gathered on September 7 to host a solemn ceremony to mark the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The event began with opening remarks from Kenneth Rudzewick, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the National Anthem by Kathleen Nealon.
Rev. Msgr. Joseph Calise of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Church delivered the opening prayer. A moment of silence was observed before the FDNY laid a wreath at the memorial. The names of 9/11 victims were read by Mike Aylward, with American flags placed in front of the monument as each name was announced.
The ceremony featured a moving rendition of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Liz and Bill Huisman, and a poem by Queens Poet Laureate Vincent Tomeo.
“How can I write a poem? When the smell of death is in the air,” Tomeo recited. “How can I write a poem? When I knew four people who perished in the fires of the World Trade Towers.”
Senator Michael Gianaris addressed the crowd at the 9/11 memorial ceremony, reflecting on his personal experiences from that tragic day. He recalled campaigning in the city and witnessing the destruction of the Twin Towers firsthand. Gianaris emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring those who perished, particularly as the years pass and fewer direct witnesses remain.
“These events are becoming fewer every year throughout the city, but more important than ever, and that’s why I will always commit to being here with you and sharing it today,” Gianaris said. “Yes, because the firehouse behind us suffered the greatest loss of life of any firehouse in the city.”
He acknowledged the significant loss suffered by the local firehouse and reiterated his commitment to continue advocating for the need’s of 9/11 responders and victims’ families. Gianaris also spoke about the significance of such events for future generations, including his own young daughter, underscoring the need to preserve the memory of the tragedy and ensure that its lessons endure.
Assembly Member Steven Raga addressed the ceremony with heartfelt remarks, extending his deepest condolences to the families and loved one’s present.
“We know that the pain that we carry as New Yorkers, as Americans, as a country, it’s something that we carry every day during moments like this, but also in the moments we’re not here, those tiny
moments of quiet, of silence, where even minutes feel like feel like days,” Raga said.
He acknowledged the ongoing pain felt by New Yorkers and Americans, emphasizing that the weight of September 11th is carried every day, not just on anniversaries. Raga highlighted the importance of remembering not only on days like this but also throughout the year. He paid tribute to Firehouse 288 for their ultimate sacrifice and expressed his honor at participating in the commemoration.
Council Member Robert Holden addressed the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the memorial and its significance to the community. Reflecting on September 11, 2001, Holden recounted how he was preparing to teach in downtown Brooklyn when he first saw the attacks unfold on television. He spoke about the initial shock and the unity that followed, noting that while the city and nation came together in the aftermath, that spirit of solidarity has faded over time.
Holden emphasized the importance of honoring first responders continuously, not just on anniversaries. He advocated for recognizing Firehouse 288 as a landmark to honor the firefighters who sacrificed their lives, criticizing the New York Landmarks Commission’s policy of requiring a 30-year wait for consideration. He also highlighted the ongoing struggles of first responders suffering from exposure-related illnesses, underscoring that the fight for their recognition and safety continues. Holden concluded by urging everyone to remember and honor the sacrifices made on September 11 and to revive the unity that characterized the nation’s response in the days following the attacks.
“Do we remember how we felt after the attacks,” Holden said. “Do we remember how close we were as a city and a nation? Can we remember how we thank the first response? We did that for a period of a few months, and then gradually we forgot about it. Everybody says we have to remember this, but so many people in this country forgot about that. This city we should be united to protect our citizens and our first responses, we should honor them every day. That’s why this firehouse should be a landmark. It should be a landmark for those men who gave their lives for this country and this city.”
The memorial at the park honors a number of individuals who made significant sacrifices. Among those remembered are several local residents, including Firefighter Michael Cawley, Cono Gallo, Jennifer Mazzotta, Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan, Firefighter Christopher Pickford, Firefighter Michael Weinberg, Firefighter Matthew E. Barnes, Lieutenant Mario Bastidas, Firefighter Thomas G. Oelkers, and Firefighter Jack Boyle.
The memorial also lists members of Hazmat 1, recognizing Firefighter Dennis Carey, Lieutenant John Crisci, Firefighter Martin Demo, Battalion Chief John Fanning, Firefighter Thomas Gardner, Firefighter John Giordano, Firefighter Jonathan Hohmann, Captain Thomas Moody, Firefighter Dennis Scauso, Firefighter Kevin Smith, and Captain Patrick Waters.
Additionally, Squad 288 is commemorated with names such as Firefighter Peter Brennan, Lieutenant Ronnie Gies, Firefighter Joseph Hunter, Firefighter Jonathan Ielpi, Lieutenant Ronald Kerwin, Firefighter Adam Rand, Firefighter Brian Sweeney, and Firefighter Timothy Welty.
A closing note on the memorial highlights that Squad 288 and Hazmat 1 experienced the single largest loss of firefighters from any FDNY firehouse.
