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30,000 Firefighters March in Honor Rain Doesn't Dampen Largest-Ever Firefighter Memorial Turnout
• Slide Show: Procession, Ceremony Images
HEATHER CASPI
NEW YORK -- Thirty thousand firefighters from around the world stood outside Madison Square Garden Saturday in a procession spanning 20 blocks, in a show of support for FDNY and the families of FDNY's fallen firefighters of 2001. Including the 25,000 family and firefighters inside, the gathering was believed to be the largest ever memorial service for fallen firefighters. In 1999, some 35,000 honored the six firefighters lost in the Worcester, Mass. warehouse fire.
• NY1.com Video:
Dial-Up -
Broadband The procession began with 356 flag bearers, one for every FDNY firefighter to die in the line of duty in 2001, including those who died on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. The firefighters in the procession remained outside in the wind and rain to watch FDNY's annual memorial service on jumbo-tron video monitors. They clapped with those inside, and even removed their hats for the prayers in the pouring rain. Some departments came out in staggering numbers, with over 700 firefighters in town from Toronto, 500 from Boston, nearly 200 from Chicago and 150-180 from Worcester, MA, officials said. "I think this will be some closure for them," said Firefighter Seamus Shanley of the Worcester Fire Department. "It'll ease a lot of the pain I'm sure, just seeing the support from all over the world." Shanley said his department feels a bond with FDNY because of the tragedy they suffered when six Worcester firefighters died at a fire in December 1999. Firefighter Ed Preece of New Britain, CT said his department also has a special tie with FDNY because four of their members have joined FDNY over the past ten years. "Luckily, they're all still here," he said. The 500 firefighters from Boston all came down to New York on their own but marched together in the procession leading up to Madison Square Garden, said Lt. Barry Stafford. "Boston and New York are pretty tight," he said. Stafford said this is the 12th time he's come to NY for memorials, individuals and this one, since 9/11. "It's been so draining the last year," he said. "We're just here to pay our respects," said Engineer John Bundas of the Dearborn Heights, MI Fire Department. Ten firefighters came out from his department. Bundas said they've been running into firefighters everywhere during their stay in they city. "On the subway it was pretty tight, there were like a million of us," he said, "some from cities I haven't even heard of." Firefighters came from as far as France and Australia, and from cities across the U.S. Several came from the Fullerton Fire Department near Anaheim, CA. "We just came for the solidarity, wrapping up a long year, and to show support for everybody in this city," said Firefighter Adam Loeser. He said they also came out to work at Ground Zero last year, and they can see the difference the year has made. "It seems like everybody's kind of moved on a bit, which is good," Loeser said. "You see people laughing, having a good time, talking about things other than 9/11. We all know why we're here but people don't talk about it much," he said. "It's an honor to be here," said Firefighter Andrew Thomas, one of eight firefighters who came from the Hull Fire Department of Massachusetts, a small department with just 35 members. "If the roles were reversed I'm sure they'd be there for us," he said. There was also a huge show of support from fire departments in Canada. Firefighter Rick Churchmack was one of the 700 who came down from Toronto. "I think this is really special," he said. Chaurchmack said the experience of seeing so many firefighters gathered together in solidarity was worth the long drive and getting lost in New York City. "It means a lot to us to be here," said Capt. Peter Skowronek of the Niagara Falls Fire Department. He said they came out last year to help after the attacks, but when their help wasn't needed, they supported FDNY by attending funerals and raising money for the widows and children's fund. Since then, they have also hosted several FDNY firefighters on vacations. Capt. Ken Moore said he thinks it's good that this event would be the final memorial event for those killed on 9/11. "We don't want to come again. Just for a visit next time," he said. The Niagara firefighters said they also think it's important that the public see the brotherhood of the fire service every time they lose a member. "It's what we do best unfortunately," said Platoon Chief Chris Collins of Canada's Waterloo Fire Department. The Windsor Fire Department came with 127 firefighters. "We don't know anybody," said Firefighter Terry Proulx. "But this is pretty impressive." Firefighter Greg Hawkins said the department had their own ceremony for the fallen FDNY firefighters on the anniversary of 9/11. Hawkins said he hopes this final, official ceremony will help bring closure for the FDNY firefighters. Another seven firefighters came from Richmond, Canada. They said the hospitality of FDNY has been phenomenal. "It's been a long year for these guys," said Firefighter Grant Klies. "We feel this is the best way we can show our appreciation. If we could come here every day, we would," he said. Although some firefighters spoke of closure with this final event, others thought there could be no such thing. "I don't think it will ever be over. It will be in the hearts and minds of people for a long time to come," said Capt. Dave Rock of the St. Thomas Fire Department from Ontario, Canada. "I can't see closure at all. It's something that'll always be with you," said Capt. Michael Bailey of the Houston, TX Fire Department. Bailey said he first met a number of FDNY firefighters while attending at the IAFF's annual firefighter memorial service in Colorado Springs several weeks ago, and learned a lot about the brotherhood of the fire service there. "You can just walk up to any of them," he said. "Even if you don't know them you can go up and give them a hug. It shows we're all in this together," he said.
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