Bellmore fire departments remember 9/11

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Bellmore and North Bellmore fire departments joined together to remember those who were lost. More than 100 firefighters gathered with the community at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore to pray for those lost and their families.

The tradition of sharing a Mass began after the fateful attacks 10 years ago. The Mass was officiated by the Rev. Peter Dooley and was offered for the entire Bellmore community. Following mass, firefighters and community members took part in a ceremony outside of the Bellmore Fire Department headquarters on Pettit Avenue.

At the ceremony, Chief Robert Taylor spoke about the bravery of the firefighters who lost their lives that day. The group honored Bellmore volunteers and career New York City fire fighters Kevin Prior and Adam Rand, who died in the attacks. They also honored firefighter Sean McCarthy, who lost his life from a Sept. 11 illness. Three wreaths were laid at the fire department’s memorial under the railroad tracks to remember the three men. Representatives from all three families were present as the departments saluted the fallen while taps filled the night air.

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