Photo by Anthony Mullin
Ralph Black served as chief of operations for New Haven Fire Department from 2006-2016 and his career in department included promotions to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and acting chief. On the left is state Rep. Mary Welander. On the right is state Rep. Kara Rochelle.
DERBY – Whether rushing into the burning World Trade Center 23 years ago or braving raging flood waters to rescue people last month, first responders are a beacon of hope in times of crisis.
That’s how Maria Blackwell, an officer with Derby Elks Lodge 571 summed up the courage, bravery and resilience on display every day by the Valley’s volunteer firefighters, police officers and EMTs.
Blackwell addressed a crowd of about 150 people who gathered on the Derby Green on Elizabeth Street Wednesday for the city’s annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.
Nearly 3,000 people, including 343 first responders, died when terrorists flew two commercial airliners into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in lower Manhattan and another into the Pentagon, and also hijacked an airplane that ultimately crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers rallied in an effort to thwart the terrorists’ deadly plot.
“You are the first light of hope people see, as we just saw this bravery again during the recent floods,” Blackwell said. “You are the backbone of our community, and your service does not go unnoticed.”
Blackwell and other Elks’ members presented each of Derby’s four fire houses –Hotchkiss Hose Co. No. 1, Storm Engine Co. No. 2, East End Hose Co. No. 3 and Paugassett Hook & Ladder Co. No 4 – as well as the Derby Police Department, Storm Ambulance Co. No. 1 and the city’s emergency management department – with engraved plaques honoring their service.
“You are all the hope our community can count on every day,” Blackwell said. “We are a safer nation today because of your service.”
Derby Fire Commissioner Gary Parker said he’s proud to serve with the men and women who answer the call to help others. And just like those who raced into the burning buildings in New York, showing courage and tenacity to help save lives, he was humbled to see the efforts on a local level on Aug. 18 when historic flooding hit the Valley.
Photo by Anthony Mullin
(Left to right) Derby Police Lt. Sal Frosceno and Derby Fire Department Chief Michael Gloade.
“We’re here to reflect on the courage and tenacity of anyone in uniform today, and just a few weeks ago, with the flooding, the response by all the first responders was just as tenacious,” Parker said. “There was a tragic loss of life, but many lives were saved thanks to the first responders (here in the Valley).”
Former New Haven Fire Department Chief of Operations Ralph Black served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker, reflecting on his time at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Black, along with of group of fellow New Haven firefighters trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, assisted first responders with peer counseling as they dug out from under a massive pile of debris where the Twin Towers once stood.
“The courage, bravery and commitment by the first responders was on display for the world to witness,” Black said. “We will not let evil destroy our lives and we will continue to take care of each other.”
Following the 40-minute ceremony, the Elks treated all the first responders in attendance to a reception at their headquarters on Elizabeth Street.
