By Angela Marshall
Stephanie, wearing pajamas and a robe, was waiting in the yard. She had spent several hours the day before wondering if she would ever see Kevin again and even though he called in the afternoon, she couldn't believe he was safe until she hugged him.
Kevin, 36, returned to the ruins of the World Trade Center later that day and many days in the months that followed. He was one of hundreds of New York City police officers who worked tirelessly, first to find survivors and then recover bodies.
Last week, Kevin was selected to represent the police department during a ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. He and three others were picked to bring home the flag that was raised at ground zero soon after the attacks and then carried into battle on the carrier. Police and fire department flags were returned as well.
Kevin, two firefighters and a Port Authority police officer, were given a tour of the USS Roosevelt and had a chance to talk to many of the sailors and Marines.
Kevin was moved by the military men and women's dedication to America and the war against terrorism. In turn, they were awed by New York's finest and bravest, asking them to sign pictures and pose for photos.
It was a very humbling experience, Kevin said.
Crew members told Kevin that the flag provided inspiration for them. They hold the record for the longest time at sea, 159 days.
On Monday, the American Flag was raised at New York's City Hall, just after Kevin and his companions presented the other flags to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.
