A new bench facing the flag in front of Rushmore Avenue School is more than just a place to rest or meet up with friends. The bench serves as a commemorative marker to remember the life of Charles “Chuck” Karen, a 9/11 first responder from Carle Place who passed away in November 2015 from cancer contracted from time spent at the site.
Survived by his wife Tina, and sons Charles and Dominic, students in the Carle Place School District, the bench was donated to the school thanks to funds raised by Rushmore’s PTA, of which Tina and Chuck were both members. The bench is inscribed with a message that reads: “In loving memory of Chuck Karen dedicated husband, father, and 9-11-01 responder—a true hero.”
“It was our wish as a PTA unit to have a symbol of Chuck’s ‘never give up’ attitude placed on the grounds of Rushmore, hoping to inspire and give strength to those who needed it,” the PTA said in an email. “A bench was chosen so community members could read the inscription and rest on the bench, perhaps for a moment of reflection and hope.”
Karen was a NYPD officer who spent tireless hours at Ground Zero, sifting through wreckage. He was also a member of Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #2.
The bench was dedicated in a ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11.
