The
members from Fire Station 10 met up with Captain Paul Mallory. He
is the captain for "10 House" (Engine Co. 10 / Ladder
Co. 10). 10 House is located in the center of "Ground Zero'.
10 House was
across the street from the twin towers. It is still standing and
open for business. Capt. Mallory gave us a tour of 10 House and
shared his stories and emotions from that tragic day. There was
solemn quiet throughout Ground Zero. All you could hear was the
noise from the heavy machinery removing huge debris and the bells
from the rigs backing up. We talked to a firefighter detailed to
stand watch over the deserted firehouse. There are visitors that
come in and out of 10 House. He talks to the people and he also
monitors and records when they find firefighters within the pile.
We listened to his overwhelming stories and shared in his grief. A
member of FS 10 gave him his Union Shirt for whatever the reason,
it didn't matter. But it brought some type of relief and a smile
from this firefighter. And that was why we were there. It was to
try and bring some kind of solace for the FDNY Firefighters. We
went outside and just stood there and stared at the devastation
across the street. Suddenly a yell from a firefighter up the
street could be heard throughout. "They found a
firefighter!" We quickly ran up the street to form a make
shift procession line to pay our respects and to horror this
unknown firefighter who gave his life protecting people. There are
no words to describe the emotions felt at that moment. All hearts
were heavy and tears were in everyone's eyes. That moment hit home
for every firefighter that stood at attention watching our brother
being carried away.
Sunday, November
18,2001
Today
was the day that the FDNY Memorial Service was to held. But it was
postponed. So today was the day that the firefighters broke up
into their own groups to do what they wanted to do. About half of
the group attended a special mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It
was arranged by Cardinal Mahoney of Los Angeles that the Los
Angeles Firefighters have reserved seating inside this beautiful
church. It was a very nice service remembering and honoring the
people who lost their lives at the World Trade Center.
Members from Fire
Station 10
Throughout
this trip, I relied on the help and assistance from all of the
Fire Hogs. You guys were there when I needed to gather everyone,
collect money, buy me a drink, organize events and back me up on
decision making and of course, buy me a drink. The members from
Fire Station 10 also provided help throughout this whole trip,
from the planning stages, hotel and travel accommodations. and
event planning. I also want to thank Lane Kemper, an Honorary Fire
Hog (he rides a modified Honda-Davidson or a Yama-Davidson), for
organizing the check presentation at Firehouse 40. Checks totaling
over $2 million were presented to the Widows and Childrens Fund
for the FDNY. A big thank you and an atta-boy to all of the
charity organizers for a great job they did in raising money for
FDNY. The members from FDNY were very grateful for the
contributions but were overwhelmed with emotions because of the
big turnout of LA firefighters that made the trip.
After
the presentation, we herded everyone on the 2 buses to go to a
Memorial Service for Lieutenant Nagel in Manhattan. For some
reason we ended up with twice as many firefighters after the
presentation. We picked up some firefighters from other
departments. Thanks for making it work. Jay Freeman took a group
from Fire Station 15 to attend a Memorial Service for Firefighter
Eric Olsen, in Staten Island. This was very special and personal
for the boys from FS 15, because FF Olsen was assigned to Ladder
Company 15 of the FDNY. It was very difficult to travel and
attend all of the Memorial Services due to the logistics and
locations. We tried to attend as marry
services as possible.
The
group from LA consisted of many individuals and groups
representing their respective stations. Each station group tried
to visit their counterparts on the FDNY to pay their respects and
trade memorabilia.
Arrangements
were made to tour 'Ground Zero". At 2:00, all of the
firefighters met at 4/15 House. Somehow the word got out that LAFD
firefighters were going to Ground Zero, because firefighters from
LA County FD, Venture FD, and even the U.S. Air Force Boxing Team
joined us. We had over 100 fire fighters going to Ground Zero.
Again, we made it work. Thanks to all of the LAFD firefighters for
giving up their seats in the bus and allowing the other
firefighters to join us. Your patience and kindness was greatly
appreciated.
After
a day of mourning, we all headed to a fireman's pub, called
Suspenders. This place was OUTSTANDING. This place was filled with
firefighters. They were providing a free lobster feast for
firefighters.
EVERLASTING
MEMORIES
This
was a trip that we will always remember. Everyone that went left a
little part of him/herself in New York. That little part was the
'I' and the "Me" that we all possess within ourselves.
During the trip, it wasn't about us. It was about our brother
firefighters who were killed or were hurt as a result of some
terrorist act. Now that we are back in Los Angeles, let's not
forget those firefighters who gave it they're all and paid the
ultimate sacrifice. It could happen to any of us at any time.
In
closing, while in New York, a your firefighter from LAFD referred
to the camaraderie and brotherhood displayed by the FDNY. He
asked an off-duty Captain, "This is the way we should be. Why
can't we be like this?" And the seasoned off-duty Captain
replied. "Why don't you start it."
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