By Liz McBreen
The lives of 3,000 people were cut short, most of them simply doing their jobs. Franklin Square, Elmont and West Hempstead lost eight uniformed men who were heroes even before they died in the line of duty. Going to work as usual for them meant risking their lives for others everyday.
Among those lost were 48-year-old West Hempstead Fire Commissioner Robert DeAngelis, 25-year-old Michael Kiefer of Franklin Square and 33-year-old Elmont resident Thomas Hetzel. These men did not know each other, but they were united like so many others who gave their lives on that day by the brotherhood of firefighting.
The harsh reality
Robert DeAngelis was an ex-Chief for the Lakeview Fire Department and Commissioner in of the West Hempstead Fire Department at the time of his death.
His wife, Denise, described initially trying to deal with the tragedy, "in the beginning there was just shock. The situation was incomprehensible, it was beyond our scope." She said that after six months had gone by, she began to reconcile herself to the reality of what happened.
Robert was posthumously named West Hempsteader of the Year in June by the Civic Association. Denise said she was "very much honored by it. It was comforting to be with his fellow firefighters and the community members."
A year after the attacks, DeAngelis says that she is still angry. "I love my country, but I am angry at the failings in our national security in a situation like that."
DeAngelis will be at Ground Zero on Sept. 11. She entered the lottery system put in place for family members who want to announce a loved one's name at the memorial service. "The entire area is a burial ground. That is the reality." In regard to plans to rebuild, she said, "There should be a memorial park and a monument. That would be sufficient to draw people back into the area. What was there will never and can never be there again."
DeAngelis says that her faith was instrumental in helping her through the most difficult times during the past year, as well as her neighbors and friends in West Hempstead. She thanked the Baldino family, Maryanne and Dusty Orlando and Rosemary Hebron for their continuing support and friendship.
Missing Michael
Michael Kiefer's father Bud also credits the community of Franklin Square with making the past year a little easier. "This is when you find out who your true friends are, and they have really been helpful."
Michael had become a firefighter just nine months before the World Trade Center was attacked. "It was absolutely terrible. Our lives were turned around 180 degrees, and nothing will ever be the same. Michael was a very special person, and the loss is tremendous," said the firefighter's father.
Bud is not sure if he and his family will travel to Ground Zero on Sept. 11 this year. Michael was one of six on a truck from Ladder 132 who charged into the burning South Tower together, and no remains of any of them were found thus far. "We will probably be with the remaining men of his firehouse. That's where we feel the most comfortable. We just can't plan ahead anymore. It's a day to day thing now."
A Swim-Run-Paddle Memorial Race took place in Long Beach on Saturday, August 24, in honor of Kiefer. Beginning on National Beach and based on the former Long Beach lifeguard's favorite work-out, the run-swim-paddle event will become an annual event in Long Beach.
'It's hard to face crowds'
Diana Hetzel, Firefighter Thomas Hetzel's wife said that the past year has basically been about surviving. She visits a therapist, and belongs to a counseling group through the fire department. She and her three-year-old daughter Amanda also belong to counseling group which allows the children and parents to meet separately.
"The most difficult issues right now are financial concerns and social activities," said Hetzel. "It's hard to face crowds, and know how to answer questions. Some people try to say the right thing, but it's hard to understand the situation, if you have not experienced it."
Hetzel said that her daughter remembers spending time with her father last summer, and still mimics him in simple ways such as putting a pencil behind her ear as Hetzel did.
Diana will not go to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, "I would rather be by myself. I don't want to be in the public eye." She added that the she experienced a positive response not only from her own community, but from people across the country, and she is thankful for that support.
Hetzel feels that same way DeAngelis and Kiefer do about plans to rebuild at former site of the Trade Towers. "I would like to see a memorial park built where people can go and remember what happened there. It's sacred ground. I got my husband back, but some people did not."
What to do
All three family members said that only those who also lost a family member on Sept. 11 can truly understand how difficult the last year has been, and that being with other firefighters who experienced the horror of that day is one of the few comforts they have found over the past twelve months.
DeAngelis also asked that her phone number be published for any members of the West Hempstead community who lost a love one on Sept. 11. She says it is important for these families to communicate keep in touch since they are the only ones who know what the others are going through. DeAngelis' phone number is 483-8688.
"I want Michael to be remembered, and all of the firefighters to be remembered," said Bud. He feels that the general public was beginning to forget after several months separated it from the attacks, and people are beginning to remember again only because the anniversary is nearing. DeAngelis stressed the danger of this laxness, "If the nation forgets what happened that day, it will happen again."
On September 15, the West Hempstead Civic Association will be holding a dedication ceremony at Hall's Pond Park at 1:30 p.m. to honor the West Hempstead residents lost during the attacks.
A tribute called Community in Concert was held on Nov. 14 of last year at the Park. According to Niki Stamatas Thaw, one of the event organizers, the proceeds raised by the concert has been used to buy a clock and have a plaque engraved with the names of the West Hempsteaders lost in September. A memorial garden will also be planted later in the fall. The clock and plaque will be dedicated on Sept. 15.
For more information on the tribute, call Thaw at 539-9383 or e-mail the Civic Association at email@thecivicassociation.org.
The Franklin Square Munson Fire Department will take part in a non-denominational prayer service on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. According to Chief Louis Sabatino, the department is still considering recommendations from the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "We're not sure exactly what will be included in the service, but it will begin at the moment the first plane hit the first tower. It will be held in Rath Park and the rain location will be the firehouse," said Sabatino.
