BY Tom Scully
Hetzel was a New York City Firefighter who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001. His lifelong dream was to become part of the brotherhood of the fire department. Hetzel joined the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department at the age of 18, where he was assigned to the Hook & Ladder Company. He excelled as a firefighter and quickly rose to the rank of Captain. During this time, Hetzel fulfilled his dream by joining the FDNY. He had a clear commitment to his role as a firefighter and set a high example to his fellow members.
Outside of his role of serving the community, Hetzel was a loving husband and father. He and his wife were proud of their German-American heritage and were active members of the New Generation German-American Club, marched in the New York City Steuben Day Parade and traveled to Germany with their young daughter to experience its culture. It was Hetzel's love of his heritage that the Thomas Hetzel Endowment Memorial Scholarship in German Studies at Hofstra University was established.
The scholarship provides students with a unique opportunity to study abroad in Germany with all expenses covered. As a proud German-American, Hetzel embodied the finest qualities of both cultures and lived a life that touched many people both locally and internationally. The goal is to create a lasting and functional memorial to Tom by presenting hard working Hofstra University students with the exciting experience of studying while living in Germany for a semester. The project will directly parallel the life that Hetzel lived, creating special memories, touching individual lives and benefiting both cultures.
On Saturday, July 29, the Hetzel Family, along with Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, will hold a fund-raiser to benefit the Thomas Hetzel Endowment Memorial Scholarship in German Studies at Hofstra University at the Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant Biergarten on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square.
The event will kick-off at 6 p.m. and will be include bartenders, numerous raffles and door prizes, a scavenger hunt, live music and plenty of food and drinks. Any charitable donations, such as gift certificates, gift baskets, or merchandise is greatly appreciated. If you a monetary donation to the scholarship is preferred, make a check out to Hofstra University and print Thomas Hetzel Scholarship in the memo section. Contact Dorine, Hetzel's sister, if you have any questions at (516) 456-0746 or just come down and drop them off that evening while we continue to remember one of our local American Heroes. If you any additional questions, contact me at HYPERLINK "mailto:signal10@fsmfd.com" signal10@fsmfd.com.
Editor's note: The author is a member of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department. Comments about this story? FSeditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 240.
