by Jerry Burke
The two heroes now have their names atop streets in their respective hometowns of Elmont and West Hempstead. On the 14th anniversary of Dwyer's death in the line of duty, the intersection of West Gate and Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont was graced with the sign "Anthony T. Dwyer Street."
The new street sign, arranged in a group effort between Nassau Legislator John Ciotti and the Town of Hempstead, sought to honor the memory of Dwyer, who died on Oct. 17, 1989, when he was pushed to his death from the rooftop of a Manhattan building during the chase of a robbery suspect.
Those attending recalled Dwyer's work in the community, which included teaching religious education, working with Parish Outreach at St. Boniface Church and volunteering with the Elmont Fire Department.
"Anthony Dwyer made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding New York residents," said Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "He is a genuine hero who served and protected people as a member of New York City's finest."
The street dedication came as a result of Ciotti's requesting the renaming on behalf of the Dwyer family. "I spoke to Supervisor Murray about this worthy request and she immediately took the necessary steps to make it happen," said Ciotti.
The unveiling was capped by a New York City Police Department helicopter fly-over above Hempstead Turnpike.
According to his family, Dwyer, who attend Clara H. Carlson School, wanted to be a police officer since third grade and loved his job to the end.
Farther west on the turnpike, in West Hempstead, another hero was the recipient of a street dedication. Former Lakeview Fire Chief Robert DeAngelis, who worked on the 91st floor of World Trade Center Tower One and facilitated the escape of many of his employees on Sept. 11, now has his name atop Peach Grove Drive.
DeAngelis, a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and the only posthumously named West Hempsteader of the Year, spent 29 years as a volunteer firefighter, also serving as the commissioner for West Hempstead.
He was remembered as a responsible and active community leader who loved to have a good time, and the new "Robert J. DeAngelis Drive" was unveiled in a Town of Hempstead ceremony last weekend. Friends and neighbors, as well as the Lakeview and West Hempstead fire departments, Cathedral Post American Legion and Auxiliary and local dignitaries, were present for the dedication.
DeAngelis is survived by his wife, Denise, and daughters Jenna and Lisa.
