On a cloudy day in the community of Jericho, members of the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department gathered for the 14th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
At 9 a.m., members of the department were called to order, dressed in full Class A uniform, as the Jericho Fire Department color guard marched out presenting the nation’s colors.
Led in eulogy by Chief of Department John E. Lottes, members of the department and community alike, paid tribute once more to the heroes of that faithful day, as well as the victims and the country’s military. He spoke with true heartfelt compassion with words of encouragement and resolve for a nation once shaken.
It was a time to remember those closest to the Jericho Fire Department, including Glenn J. Winuk, a man who dedicated much of his life to serving his community as a Jericho firefighter. He chose to run towards the burning towers from his place of employment, with the hopes of making a difference.
The ceremony, so professionally orchestrated by firefighter Andrew Sausmer, included a lone bagpiper who played music far too familiar to firefighters and police officers since that day 14 years ago.
At the completion of the ceremony, members of the department lined up on North Broadway for the yearly march to Winuk Park.
It was there, that members paid tribute to a place so dear to their hearts.
The ceremony included the raising of the American and 9/11 flags, as well as the presentation of flowers in Winuk’s memory. In charge on this day were Lottes, first-assistant Chief Steven E. Cohen and second-assistant Chief Kerry J. Ketsoglou. —Submitted by John J. O’Brien Sr., —Photos by Kevin Imm
