Members of the Deer Park community, local elected officials, firefighters, and residents gathered to honor the lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and remember the rescue and recovery workers who later died from illnesses connected to their work at Ground Zero.
The solemn tribute served as a reminder of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice displayed by first responders and ordinary Americans during one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.
Among those in attendance was Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney, an FDNY firefighter, who joined Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and fellow members of government in paying tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11.
Schaffer: Community Remembrance Remains Essential
Supervisor Rich Schaffer emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to honor the victims of September 11 and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the years that followed.
“Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives lost on September 11 and the brave men and women who answered the call to help our nation recover. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the significance of that day and the lasting impact it had on our communities.”
Schaffer also recognized the Deer Park Fire Department and the many community organizations, volunteers, and residents who helped make the tribute possible.
McSweeney: ‘I Will Never Forget’
For Councilman Terence McSweeney, who served as an FDNY firefighter, the commemoration carried deep personal significance.
“It was truly an honor to stand alongside the Deer Park community and my colleagues in government as we paid tribute to those murdered on September 11, 2001, and those who later lost their lives to illnesses contracted while working at Ground Zero,” McSweeney said. “As a firefighter, I understand the courage and dedication it takes to answer the call during someone’s darkest hour. The men and women who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero helped get America back on her feet, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”
McSweeney added that the tribute was also a reminder of the strength and unity found throughout the community.
“It truly takes a village to build a great community, and today was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we stand together. We remember their sacrifice, their courage, and the lasting impact they had on our nation. I will never forget.”
The gathering concluded with expressions of gratitude to the Deer Park Fire Department, community organizations, volunteers, and residents who came together to ensure that the memories of those lost—and the sacrifices of those who served—continue to live on.
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