On Sept. 14, Hempstead town officials joined family and friends of fallen New York City paramedic Rudy Havelka, to unveil the re-dedication of Birch Lane in Levittown.
While surviving the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Havelka wou ld later die of an illness related to his service at Ground Zero.
“Thirteen years after 9-11, when our country was beginning to heal, the emotional wounds have been re-opened as thousands of first responders and recovery workers have now developed illnesses related to their service at Ground Zero and nearby sites,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. “Thirteen years after 9-11, when our country was beginning to heal, the emotional wounds have been re-opened as thousands of first responders and recovery workers have now developed illnesses related to their service at Ground Zero and nearby sites,” said Murray.
“Rudy Havelka is emblematic of the ongoing pain and anguish that has been inflicted upon our nation and families by the terrorists of 9-11. While he did not perish in the attacks, the evil cowards who brought down the World Trade Center signed Rudy’s death sentence that September morning.”
Havelka was a resident of Levittown and an active member of the East Meadow Fire District for almost 40 years. He also worked as a paramedic instructor for FDNY, Nassau County and St. John’s.
“Rudy Havelka trained thousands of paramedics in his career,” said Town Councilman Gary Hudes. “His legacy will live on for generations and we will never forget his heroism.”
Several close friends and colleagues attended the ceremony on Sept. 14, to honor their fallen comrade. Rudy is survived by his wife Pat, his children Rudy and Debbi and five grandchildren.
“I truly believe that by remembering and celebrating the lives of heroes like Rudy, we weave grief, pain and sorrow into strength, courage and connection,” Murray concluded.
