On September 8th and 9th, 2001, eighteen men and women from the Lake View Volunteer Fire Association traveled to New York City on a long planned fun-filled weekend. As time came close to the day of departure, everyone agreed that a visit to a NYC firehouse would certainly be appropriate. Dave Ross made arrangements with Lieutenant Bill Pena of Rescue 1 in Manhattan, for a tour of the firehouse, truck, and equipment.
One of our first stops when we arrived in Manhattan was to the Rescue 1 Station. Lt. Pena and Firefighters Brian Sweeney and Gary Geidel greeted us. Also there at our arrival was Captain Terry Hattan (aka Captain Manhattan) who was working with two representatives from the Saulsbury Fire Apparatus Company. They were working on the specifications for a new Rescue 1. Meanwhile, Firefighter Pat O'Donoghue met NY Firefighter Bill Henry, and they spent considerable time together that morning. Over the next 90 minutes or so, our group was treated with open arms and warm hospitality. Lieutenant Pena and Firefighter Sweeney gave a tour of the vehicle and put on a presentation that left a lasting impression on all who partook. Seeing and hearing about the members, equipment, and operations of the company gave us a much broader respect for the job that these men face on a daily basis. They told several stories about different calls they were on and how they handled them. As we were concluding our visit, we realized that these professionals spend most of their days "thinking outside the box".
Then, September 11th happened. Those who made the trip on the previous weekend and who listened to what we were told, knew instinctively that Rescue 1 would have been in the "thick of things" at the World Trade Center. Although we didn't want to believe what we were seeing was happening, there was no way of denying it. Disbelief and grief. What else can be said.
As we reflect on what we experienced on September 8, our thoughts are with those firefighters we met at L4/E54, and especially Rescue 1. Our prayers are with those who lost their lives and their families and their fellow members. Some of the guys we shook hands with gave the ultimate sacrifice.
What happened to the steel from the World Trade Center?
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This page was last updated: December 7, 2010
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