LARRY CELONA, MARIA ALVAREZ and CATHY BURKE
NY Post Online
Solemn firefighters gathered in Manhattan, and police officers lined the streets of Long Island yesterday to say farewell to two heroes of the trade center in memorials rich with tributes and tears.
At ceremonies for firefighter Kevin Bracken, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and 13th Precinct Police Officer Robert Fazio, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, more than 7,000 people mourned inspirational lives sacrificed in service.
"Robert was one of the first cops in the World Trade Center," Mayor Giuliani said of Fazio, who ran into the first tower that was struck by a hijacked airliner along with partner Moria Smith, 38 - and then returned for a second, fatal rescue attempt. Smith is also one of the heroes still missing.
"They responded to a dangerous fire and rescue operation. They didn't realize that they were defending the freedom of America. They helped save 25,000 people. They're an inspiration to the rest of the country."
Some 2,000 members of the NYPD, including Commissioner Bernard Kerik, and friends and family lined the streets around St. Agnes and crowded into the cathedral for Fazio's memorial service.
He'd been an officer for 17 years, and is survived by his parents, Robert and Fay, and younger sister, Carol Lovero, brother-in-law, Mark Lovero, and nephew Michael.
"My brother loved cars, motorcycles, boats, anything with an engine," his sister said at the service, adding that she has wonderful stories to tell her son about his uncle.
"When he gets older, I will tell him that his uncle Robert was a quiet gentleman who became an American hero, and now his guardian angel's watching over him," said his sister.
Then, tears spilling down her cheeks, Carol Lovero spoke gently to her brother:
"When you went back into the burning building, you proved you were a hero," she said. "You didn't have to prove that to me. You've always been my hero. You're my big brother."
At Bracken's service, the 37-year-old firefighter's gentle wit was recalled.
"There was a certain sparkle in those eyes - a sparkle of love," said the Rev. John Delendick of Brooklyn's St. Michael's Church. "He had true love and true lovers know how to sacrifice."
The firefighter's widow, Jennifer Liang, urged mourners: "Live large, like Kevin."
Bracken, a firefighter for eight years at Engine 40, Ladder Co. 35 on Amsterdam Avenue, inspired courage in us all, Edward Cardinal Egan said.
"These are stories of young, happy citizens of the greatest city in the world who gave up their lives for others," he said. "These stories tell us that this city and this nation will never be vanquished."
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