Nine miles from Ground Zero, the firefighters from Squad 288 and Hazardous Materials 1 responded quickly when two planes struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. They suffered the single largest loss of life of any FDNY firehouse.
A candlelight vigil was held on September 21, 2001 to honor the brave firefighters, as well as members of the 104th Precinct and other residents who perished. The following year, a memorial was erected at Maspeth Memorial Park at 69th Street and Grand Avenue.
Sponsored by the United Veterans and Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth and Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, it has now become an annual tradition to honor the local men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.
This year, the memorial received two new additions. A piece of steel from the World Trade Center and two helmets worn by members of Squad 288 and Hazmat 1 are now displayed, along with the names of the 25 people who perished.
FDNY Battalion Chief Nick Corrada, formerly a member of Squad 288, thanked the community for its continued support. As he watched all the fanfare and attended the different services for 9/11 victims, Corrada said he asked himself what was being celebrated.
“We’re commemorating the bravery … They wanted to help. Their courage inspires us,” Corrada said.
By Eric Yun
