It was a solemn occasion when members of Brockport’s Fire Departments gathered in their dress uniforms to begin the 12 hour vigil marking the tragic events that took place in New York City on September 11, 2001. Fire Chief Christian McCullough thanked the members of the department who still give so much of their time to the maintenance and care of the Firefighter’s Memorial Monument. “The dedication to the monument epitomizes the department’s dedication to those who were lost and to the future,” he said. Pastor Tom Stroup, BFD chaplain said, “Life is what happens on the way to your dreams,” he said. “We’re here today to remember the 2,605 friends, neighbors, relatives and co-workers who left their homes on September 11, 2001 on the way to their dreams.” In addition to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, Stroup said, “We’re here to remember Scotty Warthman who lost his life nine months ago on the way to his dreams. On the way to celebrate Christmas with his family.” Mr. Warthman was killed in an automobile accident December 13, 2003. He was instrumental in organizing the construction of the Firefighter’s Memorial Monument that is now a proud part of the Village of Brockport. His parents, Earl and Sally, and his sister, Judy Nichols, were on hand for the ceremony and unveiling of the monument in his honor. As part of the 12-hour vigil, McCullough unveiled two memorial markers - one dedicated to the memory of Warthman, and one, a living memorial, dedicated to Everett “Ebbie” Kenyon. “It’s Ebbie’s compelling love for humanity and the call to duty that leads us to honor him today,” Stroup said. “It’s also that dedication and love for humanity that drove the lives of Scotty and those who died on September 11, 2001.”
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