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Lee Fehling
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On Tuesday, October 9, 2001 Firematic Memorial Services
were held for Firefighter Lee Fehling of the New York City Fire Department,
Engine 235 who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September
11, 2001. Firefighter Fehling was also a member of the Wantagh
FD and assigned to Ladder 1.
With hundreds of firefighters in attendance they
joined the Fehling family in a memorial mass held for Firefighter Fehling
at St. Barnabas R.C. Church in Bellmore.
There are no words that this writer can use to
express the sorrow that the Fehling family is experiencing. But perhaps
the words of his mother Joan spoken at the services will help, “
I have been asked by so many people what can we do for you or your family.
My answer to them is, get closer to your family and God.”
Thomas Von Essen, Fire Commissioner City
Of New York in his message of October 10, 2001:
"On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, in a premeditated
attack on the very fabric of our
lives, two hijacked commercial airliners
were purposely crashed into the twin towers
of the World Trade Center. As always and
without hesitation, the brave members of
this Department became the first line of
defense for our great City. Hundreds of our
members--Firefighters, Fire Officers, Paramedics,
EMTs and others--raced to the scene.
Firefighters advanced to the upper floors
to search and evacuate citizens, while
preparing for a long and difficult operation.
EMS personnel treated the injured. As we
would expect, off-duty members of all ranks
also responded to the scene as soon as
they heard about this incredible disaster."
"Unexpectedly and suddenly, one tower collapsed,
quickly followed by the second.
Words cannot adequately describe the staggering
devastation this catastrophe has
caused us. As of this writing, 34 of our
members have been confirmed as killed in the
line of duty. Another 309 members remain
among the missing and the hope of finding
survivors is quickly diminishing. Another
186 members were injured, with nine of them
still hospitalized, some in critical condition."
"The fire and collapse showed no discrimination
in rank, evidenced by some of the
members who already are confirmed dead--from
our own First Deputy Fire
Commissioner William M. Feehan, Chief of
Department Peter J. Ganci, Jr., and Chaplain Mychal Judge, to Battalion
Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants and Firefighters."
"Without a doubt, these have been the darkest
days of our 136-year history. Everyone
in the Department is personally devastated
by this horrific event. We have lost so
many members--and some have lost relatives,
as well--in what can only be described
as a truly unimaginable tragedy."
"But we will overcome this. We will persevere
and continue to be the greatest fire
department in the world. We will rebuild
and fortify this Department on the memories
and heroism of our fallen members. Already,
to help replenish the ranks with
leadership, we promoted 168 members to
the officer rank on Sunday, September 16,
2001."
" A grateful City and Fire Department thank the
members of the FDNY, for their
superhuman efforts as they continue to
search for your Fallen Brothers and other
victims of this treacherous act. God bless
all of you."
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