Press Release - Friday, September 09, 2005
Press Releases
No Data
NYC FIREFIGHTERS UNITE IN ILLINOIS TO REBUILD LIVES IN MEMORY OF TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
CHICAGO -Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn welcomed 30 New York City firefighters and emergency service personnel who will assist in rebuilding efforts in Utica and Granville. They are all volunteers with the "New York Says Thank Foundation", a grassroots organization formed to commemorate the support given to New York City following the tragic events of September 11, 2001 by helping rebuild communities around the United States affected by disasters.
In April 2004, one of the deadliest tornadoes in Illinois history ripped through Utica and Granville. Eight people lost their lives.
On this Saturday, September 10, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, 30 volunteers, including 17 FDNY firefighters will travel to Utica and Granville to assist local residents in rebuilding efforts. Eight residents of Harbison County, California will also travel to Utica to volunteer alongside them.
Harbison County, California suffered severe damage in 2003 when wildfires destroyed 75% of its homes. Last year, on September 11, 2004, the New York Says Thank You Foundation sent FDNY volunteers to the town to help rebuild homes.
Rebuilding projects are being coordinated by the United Way of Illinois Valley, the Ottawa Lions, other local Lions clubs, and the Utica Fire Department. Volunteers will construct two gazebos in Utica and Granville, paint the Utica firehouse, complete tornado-related home repairs, and landscape the newly rebuilt Utica Village Hall and restored Little League baseball diamond.
The "New York Says Thank You Foundation" will also plant 417 trees in Utica, Granville, and surrounding communities, in honor of each of the New York City firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers killed on September 11, 2001. Replacing the trees lost in the tornado, these plantings will serve as a living symbol of hope and a testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people.
"The events of September 11 changed our country forever," Quinn said. "Today, we welcome the firefighters and emergency personnel from New York City and salute them for working to change lives touched by tragic circumstances. We thank them for their efforts."
On March 11, 2006 this group will journey to Louisiana and Mississippi to help rebuild cities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Quinn was joined by Jeff Parness, Founder of the New York Says Thank You Foundation; Dave Edgcomb, Chief of the Utica Fire Department; Don Robey, Chairman of the Ottawa Lions Club and Ron Melka, President of the Illinois Valley United Way. Steve Holden, Chaplain with the Illinois State Police and Dan Kuhn, a resident of Granville, were also in attendance.
Press Releases
No Data