On July 1, Hicksville resident Ray Pfeifer, a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department, set out for an 11-day trip with the US Air Force in Europe's (USAFE) Extreme Summer program. Pfeifer's role in the program was to represent his colleagues who were killed during the September 11, 2001 attacks. On that tragic morning, 12 men from his former company, Engine 40, were among the 343 firefighters who died in the rescue efforts.

Through the program, Pfeifer, a 16-year veteran of the NYFD, traveled to military bases across Europe to speak with US troops and civilians. His journey included visits to Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, RAF Croughton in England as well as air bases in Spain and Italy. Pfeifer joined various athletes and role models, including Captain America and the Incredible Hulk, former Dallas Cowboys lineman Chad Hennings and astronaut Guion S. Bluford Jr.

"Every year, Extreme Summer looks to send role models to speak with kids and adults about different aspects of life," Pfeifer said. "I was told that every base in Europe wanted a firefighter to come."

Pfeifer, who spent nine days at Ground Zero searching for his friends, spoke to soldiers and families, as well as civilians and school children, about September 11, 2001 - his day off - and the rescue efforts that followed. On the morning of the 11th, Pfeifer and some of his fellow firefighters were headed for a golf trip in Maryland. After receiving word that the first tower of the World Trade Center had been hit, he rushed back to Manhattan, arriving as the second tower collapsed.

Almost two weeks after the attacks, a stranger handed Pfeifer a videotape, consisting of coverage from the base of the Twin Towers. Out of respect for those who died, Pfeifer's station decided not to sell the videotape to the media. Instead, Pfeifer used the tape during the program in Europe.

The purpose of the video, which showed the Twin Towers burning as well as emergency workers treating the wounded, was to let people know what happened on that day in New York. "I showed them a video of that day, which was never put out to the public," Pfeifer said. "It was a tape of my guys; every firefighter was killed."

Pfeifer said he received an amazing response from all he spoke to during his trip to Europe, leaving with the impression that no one has forgotten September 11. "I worked non-stop, from 8 a.m. until late at night, holding 20-25 speaking sessions," Pfeifer said. "I also spoke with many school children in England who were very intent on the subject of September 11."

Although Pfeifer was reluctant to travel to Europe at first, the overall experience was moving and very emotional. Throughout the eye-opening visits, he stressed the importance of the American soldiers stationed abroad who are defending civilian rights. "They're the heroes," Pfeifer said.

Pfeifer, who currently works as chief aide to the department's Battalion Chief Joe Pfeifer (no relation) out of NYFD headquarters in Brooklyn, added that he recently received word that there may be a chance he'll have to return to Europe later this year.

Pfeifer's wife, Caryn, said she was overwhelmed on September 11 because her husband was supposed to work that day. "God was watching him that day," she said.

Ms. Pfeifer said her husband was chosen as the family liaison and delegate for the families of the firefighters who died. He was picked to represent them in Europe and has helped the families with paperwork, distributing money, etc.

"We are very proud of him and it is well-deserved," Ms. Pfeifer said. "Everyone over in Europe treated him as a hero even though he doesn't feel that way."

Pfeifer's accounts, as well as those of other firefighters who served at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and assisted in the rescue efforts, can be read in David Haberstam's book, "Firehouse." The book commemorates the lives of the 12 firefighters form Engine 40/Ladder 35 who were killed in the attacks.