On September 11, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Sheriff Todd Baxter, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, local first responder agencies, and the Veterans Outreach Center dedicated the 9/11 First Responders Memorial in Gary Beikirch Memorial Park.
“25 years after the devastating terror attacks of September 11, 2001, we come together as a community to dedicate the 9/11 First Responders Memorial,” said County Executive Bello. “This memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who ran straight into danger to help others, reminding us all of their sacrifice. We are proud to dedicate this site as a promise that Monroe County will never forget those who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and our freedom.”
The memorial is a tribute to the victims, heroes, and survivors of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93, and honors the firefighters, EMTs, and police officers who responded to them. It features structures representing the Twin Towers and a folded American flag. The memorial is located at the corner of Highland Avenue and South Avenue, north of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Foundation advocated for the memorial, which was also made possible through the efforts of New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who secured a $350,000 grant from New York State for its construction.
“This 9/11 – First Responder Memorial is going to be a place for our community to honor the sacrifice of those that perished while trying to save the lives of total strangers during the horrific terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. It will stand as a reminder that heroism and bravery live on within the ranks of all first responders, and our community is grateful for their selfless devotion to caring for others,” said Dan Maloney, President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO.
“September 11, 2001, was a terrorist attack on American soil that claimed the lives of innocent people and forever changed our nation,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “A quarter of a century later, the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call still resonates throughout the law enforcement and public safety community. These heroes ran toward unimaginable danger to protect others and save lives. This memorial gives our community a permanent place to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, remember those whose lives were forever changed, and remind future generations of what service and courage truly mean. We will never forget.”
The Monroe County Parks Department will perform routine upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial.
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