A Day to Remember: Honoring the Heroes of September 11th

A Day to Remember: Honoring the Heroes of September 11

Today is a day etched into the hearts and minds of every American. No matter where you were or how you heard the news, it's a moment that will forever remain in your memory. Some of us were at work, others in school, and many were too young to fully understand but still carry with them a vague recollection of that tragic day.

I vividly remember where I was. I was in my office, when emails and phone calls from friends started flooding in. The shock, the confusion, and the heartbreak in their voices will always stay with me. Without hesitation, I walked into my father’s office and told him I was heading down to the Corps. Grabbing my go-bag, I made my way to Bayside Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where I waited, ready to be deployed. Hours later, I found myself standing at Ground Zero.

Our Crews

That day, many of us volunteered, united by a single purpose—to help. The Bayside Volunteer Ambulance Corps sent several teams into the heart of the destruction:

Day Crew: 

- Thomas John Heffernan – Ground Zero – 94M – A  - Past Away

- Jason McShane – Ground Zero – 94M – A 

- Scott Rest – Ground Zero – 94M – A 

- Dianna Caccioppoli Puglisi – Ground Zero – 94M – A 

- Kathy Parker Rest – Ground Zero – 94M-B 

- Jill Jensen Pilato – Ground Zero – 94M – B 

- Chris Capo – Ground Zero – 94M – B 

- Alex Madera – Ground Zero – 94M – B 

Night Crew:

- Dianna Caccioppoli Puglisi – Exposure Zone – 94M 

- Jessica Franco – Exposure Zone – 94M 

- Joe Vaccaro – Exposure Zone – 94M 

9/11 Support Staff at Headquarters (Partial List) 

- Joseph L. Baumer 

- Brian Smith 

- David Blecher 

- Tommy Wittmer 

- Gregg Daly 

- Robert Dobrucky 

- Mike Howlin 

- James Hsu 

- Kevin Lamonica 

- Steve Kmiotek 

- Danny Barrett 

- Jamie Cervoni 

Past Members and Family We Lost 

• * Mitch Wallace – Court Officer at the Twin Towers, Two WTC | Lobby
• * Moira Smith – Aunt to Brian Smith, Two WTC

For many of us, that was our first time witnessing what can only be described as a war zone. The streets of New York, normally bustling with life, were reduced to rubble and ash. The enormity of the loss—of both life and security—was profound.

But what stands out most to me, even after all these years, is the way we responded. We didn’t run for recognition or reward. We ran because our country had been attacked, and as Americans, we felt a deep obligation to help however we could. We answered the call because that's what being an American means—standing together in times of need, regardless of the risks.

Remembering the Courage and Sacrifice

September 11, 2001, was a day when ordinary people became extraordinary heroes. It revealed courage in individuals who might have gone their entire lives never called upon to demonstrate the full extent of their bravery. The attacks forced us to focus on what truly matters in life—our families, our friends, our faith, and our freedom.

We drew strength from the heroes of that day, many of whom gave their lives so that others might live. We saw it in the firefighters and rescuers who rushed into the burning towers, in the brave men and women aboard Flight 93 who sacrificed themselves to save our nation’s capital, and in the countless people who raised flags and reached out to neighbors, transforming strangers into friends.

That day showed us the very worst of humanity, but it also brought out the best in all of us. We were united in grief, but also in strength and resilience. Today, as we reflect on the events of 9/11, let us remember the heroism, the sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who ran toward danger without hesitation. And let us carry forward the lessons of that day, cherishing the values that bind us together as Americans—courage, compassion, and an unbreakable commitment to one another.

We will Never Forget.