Rye FD Unveils 9/11 Plaque

On Thursday, September 11th, the Rye Fire Department unveiled a 9/11 plaque in remembrance of the tragic events that occurred seven years ago in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, PA and in honor of all who were lost that day.

The event was organized by Dennis Sweeney, a long time member of the Poningoe Engine and Hose Company who was also one of the creators of Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  Sweeney also credits Jeff Garcia, who was a Paramedic with Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS in 2001 and is now a Port Chester Police Officer, with the important role he has played in the 9/11 ceremonies throughout the years and with the creation of the plaque.

Sweeney led the ceremony. Other speakers at the dedication were Rye FD Chaplain Andrea Raynor (she was also a chaplain at the morgue at Ground Zero), Rye Fire Chief George Hogben, Rye Police Commissioner William Connors, Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS Administrator Scott Moore, State Assemblyman George Latimer, County Legislator Judith Meyers and Rye Deputy Mayor George Pratt A representative from Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s office presented the department with a congressional proclamation.

The plaque was originally dedicated in 2004 in a small ceremony but was not installed until this year due to the renovation projects at Rye Fire Department’s headquarters that took longer than planned.

[Editor’s note: thanks to Steve Loddo at the fire department for the great pictures and details of the event.]