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."