Local firefighters pay their respects in New York City

By Alex Davis

On Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, four members of the Kennebunk Fire Department ventured forth to New York City to attend the funeral the next day of firefighter Thomas Gambino, Rescue Co. No. 3, the Bronx.  Word had reached local members that funerals for firefighters were taxing even the reserve status of the city of New York Fire Department and additional support would be appreciated.   Under normal circumstances, a firefighter who dies in the line of duty would have an honor delegation of firefighters running in the multiple thousands. But due to the enormity of the losses of personnel, the many shifts that report to the “site” everyday, and the station coverage required daily to protect the city, it was becoming increasingly difficult to assemble delegations to honor fallen comrades.   Captain Dave Harrison, firefighters Eric Harrison and Barry Jones, and Department Chaplain Alex Davis made the trip to Westbury, Long Island where the services would be held.  All of these men are members of  the Washington Hose Co. quartered at the Lower Village in Kennebunk.   Upon arriving at the funeral home on Sunday evening, the members were doubly saddened to find that another funeral was taking place. This one was for a twenty-year-old Westbury volunteer who was lost in a non-fire related incident.   On Monday morning, the Maine delegation joined the ranks of four hundred other firefighters as they stood in formation outside of the church. This group was made up of active FDNY members, retired uniform members, Long Island firefighters and police, and representatives of fire units from across the country.  Some badges designated units from San Francisco, San Diego, and Charleston, South Carolina. Some of the city members were still in wheelchairs and on crutches reflecting injuries received September 11th.   A police motorcycle detail from Nassau County Police led the cortege followed by bagpipes and the muffled drums beating out the funeral cadence.  A retired volunteer Engine from West Farmingdale carried the flowers and a FDNY engine bore the flagged draped casket of the firefighter being honored.  The entire formation stood at attention as the coffin, preceded by flag bearers entered the church.   The church was more of a chapel and most in attendance listened on loudspeakers set up in the street in front of the building.  The immediate family, members of the deceased firefighter’s company and Department Chiefs filled the chapel.   At the close of the service, the attending firefighters once again stood at attention, as the casket was rebourn to its place on the fire engine. A fly over of Police helicopters and taps played by two buglers accentuated the final moments of the service.   Many of these uniformed mourners left this scene and walked several blocks to the Westbury firehouse where a large contingent once again saluted as the cortege for the volunteer firefighter slowly passed the station. The honored firemen’s boots, helmet and coat sat empty in front of the building as the local engines and then the hearse paused in respect, then proceeded.   An informal reception, with refreshments, was held for both of the firemen at the rear of the Westbury quarters. It was both informative and frightening to hear the stories of the experiences of many that were on duty at the time of the collapse and are still working there to complete the painful task yet to be accomplished.   The Kennebunk group at first wanted to visit the WTC site but as the day was ending it was determined that we had paid our respects and grieved as much as we could in one day.  A check was given to the Rescue Co. fund and we slowly prepared to return to Maine.   We thanked Chief Joe Pascellera of Westbury for the hospitality offered by the members of his Department. We then headed North for the quiet trip home.   God Bless America, God Bless us all.    Alex Davis is Public Information Officer for the Kennebunk Fire Department.