Westchester County Commemorates 24th Anniversary of the End of Rescue and Recovery Efforts at Ground Zero

County to Honor 9/11 First Responders with Annual Flower Spray at The Rising Memorial

Westchester County commemorated the 24th anniversary of the conclusion of rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero with the placement of its annual flower spray at The Rising, the County’s 9/11 First Responders Memorial located at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

The annual observance honors the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, recovery workers and volunteers who worked tirelessly at the World Trade Center site in the days and months following the September 11 terrorist attacks. This year’s remembrance comes at a particularly emotional time following the recent passing of Harrison Firefighter Kenneth J. Fusco, who died from 9/11-related illnesses connected to his work at Ground Zero after the attacks.

Firefighter Fusco served with the Harrison Fire Department for 45 years and participated in rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks. His passing serves as another painful reminder that the impacts of 9/11 continue to affect first responders and their families more than two decades later.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “As we mark the 24th anniversary of the end of rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, we remember the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the first responders and recovery workers who answered the call during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. This year’s remembrance carries even deeper meaning as we honor the life and service of Harrison Firefighter Kenneth J. Fusco, whose passing reminds us that the effects of 9/11 are still being felt by so many families and communities across our region. We will continue to honor those we lost, support those still suffering from 9/11-related illnesses and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chair and 9/11 First Responder Matthew J. McCauley said: “As we approach the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and as we mark the 24th Anniversary of rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, we are again reminded of the sacrifices that are continuing to be made by 9/11 first responders from our own County. Firefighter Kenneth Fusco and the members of the Harrison Fire Department answered the call for help, and we will forever be indebted to them for their actions that day and in the months that past during the recovery efforts. Firefighter Fusco’s work at Ground Zero in the aftermath was part of bringing home the children, parents, friends and responders who were lost that day, and their 9/11 families will never forget him for that. We thank Westchester County Executive Jenkins for all his support with the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial at The Rising, which gives us the opportunity to remember and memorialize those 9/11 responders from our County who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice, like Harrison Firefighter Kenneth Fusco.”

9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chair Georgia Asciutto said: “Today marks another heart-breaking anniversary in the aftermath of 9/11 with the finality of rescue and recovery operations. While these actions ended on May 30, 2002, 9/11-related illnesses have claimed more first responders’ lives and continue to do so. As we honor all of our fallen heroes on this day and reflect on their selfless acts of humanity, courage and valor, a day does not go by without the pain of loss for their families. We are so thankful and appreciative of the County’s ongoing efforts to never forget our losses, to always remember their ultimate sacrifices and to support us in any way they can.”

The Rising Memorial was dedicated in 2006 and stands as Westchester County’s permanent tribute to the County residents lost on September 11 and the first responders who continue to suffer from illnesses connected to their service at Ground Zero.

The placement of the annual flower spray serves as both a remembrance and a reflection on the continuing impact of 9/11 on first responders, recovery workers and their families. Westchester County remains committed to honoring their service and advocating for continued support for those affected by 9/11-related illnesses.