Thanking and Recognizing Local Heroes

During the past nine years that I served as Mayor of the Village of Farmingdale I have come to realize how our village serves as the symbol of the community for our residents. Now I realize that our community spans the entire nation. The tragic and horrific events that unfolded just a week ago in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania, have created a unity and sense of American pride that is second to none.

Whoever said "Ground Hero" said it best. I know all Americans applaud and support all our rescue and recovery teams, and mourn the heartbreaking loss of life. We have heroes among us right here in Farmingdale that I want to recognize and say thank you to, although thank you hardly says what we feel for these brave men and women. One local hero was Peter J. Ganci Jr., Chief of Department, FDNY. He lived in North Massapequa but grew up right here in Farmingdale, and was a former member of the Farmingdale Fire Department. Unfortunately, we buried Chief Ganci last Saturday at his family's parish, St. Kilian RC Church. The crowds of mourners attending the funeral, along with fire department personnel from New York City and across Long Island, were a testament to the man who loved his fire departments and his community. We had to close the heart of the Village of Farmingdale to traffic to accommodate the crowds. Mayor Giuliani attended and offered much needed comfort to our citizens.

Not a surprise, many firefighters from the Farmingdale, South Farmingdale and East Farmingdale Fire Departments joined forces with so many others last Tuesday and rushed to New York City to help with the rescue and recovery mission. I am very proud of these men and women as well as the many local restaurants that offered food for those teams and the local families who lost loved ones in New York. Many residents can be seen performing acts of kindness and generosity toward their fellow citizens. This is very heartwarming. This past week was truly a community effort. We hope and pray for the heroes and victims that are still missing. As I drive through Farmingdale and beyond, I am touched by the spirit of my fellow citizens and the display of the American Flag waving proudly.

Joseph M. Trudden

Mayor, Village of Farmingdale