Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Christopher J. Moskos recently announced the final plans to commemorate the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11. The Hicksville Fire Department will commemorate the somber anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 9 starting at 11 a.m., at the Strong Street Fire Station memorial. The memorial was erected in memory of Ex-Chief Terrence Farrell and Honorary Chief George Howard, both who lost their lives while performing rescue efforts on Sept. 11, 2001.
Ex-Chief Farrell was a member of Citizens Engine Company 3 and elite member of the New York City Fire Department, Rescue 4. Honorary Chief Howard was an ex-captain of Emergency Company 5 and member of the Port Authority Police Department working out of JFK Airport in the Emergency Services Bureau.
“As I reflect on this day and having spent over 25 years volunteering in the fire service, I hold a special reflection on the upcoming 11th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11.
“On that day, of the more than 400 rescue workers who perished, 343 firefighters and 60 police officers from New York City and the Port Authority died while responding to the call of duty. Never in American history has our nation’s public safety infrastructure suffered such a tragic day. The nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children who died that day at the hands of the terrorists make 9/11 a day of infamy that should never to be forgotten” said Chief Moskos.
This year, as in years past, Chief Moskos will lead his members, invited guests and members of our community with solemn thoughts and distinct honors by paying tribute to Terry and George. The ceremonies start promptly at 11 a.m. with a presentation of colors under the American Flag detail by its Hook and Ladder apparatus and feature remembrances and prayers offered for the departed by Eric Olsen, Nassau County Fire Chaplin and Hicksville Department Chaplin and the Joseph Barry Council of the Knights of Columbus will also participate. The ceremonies generally last about an hour and again this year the department will feature a special remembrance in memory of those Hicksville residents who perished that fateful day.
The HFD has been committed to providing fire protection for the Hicksville community since 1893. For more information, visit www.hicksvillefd.com.
