In the name of heroes
Bellmore Fire Dept. dedicates trucks to fallen 9/11 firefighters

By Howard Goldstein September 26, 2002


Godson John Prior of hero firefighter Kevin Prior attends the Sunday afternoon dedication ceremony.

"It is said there is no greater love than to give one's life for a friend. But even greater is to give one's life for a stranger. This is what Adam Rand and Kevin Prior did. There can be no greater act."

Godson John Prior of hero
FF Kevin Prior attends
the Sunday afternoon
dedication ceremony.

So spoke Fire Chaplain Dennis Rich at the Sept. 22 Bellmore Fire Department service that rededicated firetrucks 601 and 607 respectively to Kevin Prior and Adam Rand, hero firefighters who fell in the rescue efforts on Sept. 11. Hundreds of family members, friends, and firefighters came to the Newbridge Road fire station at 2 p.m. to unveil the firetrucks that had carried Mr. Prior and Mr. Rand in life. Both trucks are now emblazoned with their names. From the Board of Fire Commissioners, Chairman John Podolski, Vice Chairman Joseph Occhipint, and commissioners Raymond Of and Frank Sola, were among the men in uniform paying silent homage, along with Chief Peter Schmalenberger and Second Assistant Chief Timothy Gibney, Capt. Engine 601 Dan Holl, Lt. 601 Mike Mussaro, Capt. 607 Bill Brust and Lt. 607 Cornelius Maguire. Representatives of New York City Fire Department squads 288 and 252, Prior and Rand's units, came to honor their comrades, as well.
Also in attendance were New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick), Nassau County Legis. David Denenberg (D-Merrick) and state Assemblyman Robert McDonough (R-North Merrick).
"My compliments to the Bellmore Fire Department. This is a clear demonstration that these gentlemen [Mr. Rand and Mr. Prior] will never be forgotten. They are always in our hearts," said Fuschillo.
With the refurbished firetrucks gleaming resplendently in the Sunday afternoon light, a moment of silence was observed, followed by "God Bless America" played on the bagpipes by James Noone.
The American and fire department flags waving above them, speakers then stepped up to try to put words to the intense emotions. There was silence as those who knew the heroes solemnly took the podium.
First Assistant Chief Matthew Bonner, who hosted the ceremony, said, "We are here in dedication to the memory of true heroes. We are truly blessed with the fond memories of two great individuals. We will miss the wonderful senses of humor of friends who knew how to make people laugh. We will sorely miss their knowledge and dedication to the fire service. "Adam was always training new members, and Kevin was especially dedicated to improving radio communication. They were both the life of any party, but when the fire horn sounded, there were no men more serious and competent. Even in the worst crises, when I saw Adam and Kevin at the scene, I could breathe easier. They will be sorely missed. The Bellmore Fire Department is proud to call them our brothers, but it is an even greater honor to call them our friends." "Once a brother, always a brother, " Legis. Denenberg said at the podium. "To define Rand and Prior only by their 9/11 sacrifice would be incorrect. They were defined by their lives. Few are willing to put themselves on the line to save other human beings. We applaud their lives." Denenberg also presented special citations from the Legislature to the Rand and Prior families. The event was also prayerful, with the fire chaplain and Sister William Noreen of St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore asking God to strengthen the survivors. "This has been a painful year. Please bring healing to all the families here," prayed the sister, who also blessed the rededicated firetrucks. In this time of sorrow, Rich too beseeched God. "Almighty God, at this dedication ceremony to Adam Rand and Kevin Prior, we put aside our worldly concerns and remember with sadness and pride the souls of our departed brothers, now with You. On Sept. 11, 2001, they answered their last call, in service to You, loving their neighbors as themselves. Comfort the families and friends and remind us of their honor as they are guided safely home to You." Chief Peter Schmalenberger had said previously that "Adam and Kevin are a part of our family at the Bellmore Fire Department, and their families are also part of our family, and always will be." The Priors and Rands said little, as they briefly took the floor. But Schmalenberger's words rang true.
"Thank you," Marian Prior, Kevin's mother, told the assembled firefighters. "We couldn't have made it without you." "Thank you for taking care of our family," said Marian Rand, Adam's mother. "For as long as these trucks last," concluded Bonner, "those aboard will be inspired by the names of Adam Rand and Kevin Prior, our brothers and heroes."

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