Hempstead Town Supervisor Rich Guardino and Councilwoman Angie Cullin dedicated Park Avenue in Wantagh on Sept. 21 as "Heroes' Walk" in honor of nearly a dozen Wantagh residents who were tragically killed on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center.

"We have heard countless stories of courage in the face of this tragedy," Guardino said. "We will never forget these heroes and by remembering and celebrating their lives, we weave grief, pain and sorrow into strength, courage and connection."

The supervisor added that in the community of Wantagh, 11 innocent people fell victim to the attacks, including two police officers, five firemen and others who went to work that day to support their loved ones.

At the request of the Long Island Planning Council, the Town of Hempstead rededicated the section of Park Avenue west of the Wantagh Parkway, which is adjacent to the town's Twin Lakes Preserve. Heroes' Walk is dedicated to Anthony Aceto, Gary Box, Dennis Carey, Kevin Donnelly, Lee Fehling, Charles Magee, Brian McAleese, Brian McDonnell, Joseph Mistrulli, Robert Sliwak and Paul Talty.

"As a public official, residents in the district really become like your extended family," Cullin noted. "When a tragedy like this strikes families in a nearby community, it is so much more than an article in the paper or a story on the news. These brave and heroic community members will be sorely missed."

At the morning ceremony, the new street signs were unveiled and family members were given replicas of the "Heroes' Walk" street signs.

"Our hope is to bring some degree of comfort and healing to those families who lost a loved one," Guardino said.