Town of Hempstead Supervisor Rich Guardino, together with members of the town board, honored 22 individual firefighters and three fire departments last month for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities.

Among the individuals honored at the event was Levittown Fire Department Chief John Rottkamp, who was recognized for his impeccable leadership and strength surrounding the events of September 11, 2001. As was announced at the awards ceremony, the Levittown Fire Department was led that day by Chief Ron Kerwin, a lieutenant assigned to Squad 288 in the New York City Fire Department. He, along with 342 brethren, perished at the World Trade Center. Rottkamp, serving as first deputy chief, began gathering firefighters to report to the Battalion Emergency Operations Center in North Bellmore. While Rottkamp kept in close and constant contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, a call was received to report to the Ground Zero staging areas at Belmont Racetrack. Under Rottkamp's direction, work crews were assembled, fire service was maintained for Levittown and logistical preparation was made for an extended assignment.

The first team Rottkamp led to Ground Zero remained there until the following morning. Rottkamp went home later that day and kept in close contact with the Kerwin family, all the while ensuring sufficient fire protection for the entire Levittown community.

Under his direction, several hundred firefighters, friends, neighbors and families were assembled to pay tribute to Chief Kerwin's ultimate sacrifice. Rottkamp thought of every detail, leaving the Kerwin family and the fallen chief's friends impressed and grateful. Rottkamp organized a fitting farewell for Kerwin, who was not only his chief, but also his dear friend and loyal comrade, a man of true hero status.

Rottkamp was presented with the Firematic Award and it was announced that the Levittown Fire Department will forever remember his strength in the face of adversity, his loyalty to the Kerwin family and his deep caring and compassion for his beloved friend and fallen chief.

"Local firefighters and emergency personnel are indeed heroes in our communities and the Town of Hempstead is extremely grateful to each and every member of the local fire departments," Guardino said at the ceremony. "[These individuals] make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property. From fire and accident scenes to emergencies in the home and major disasters, the men and women of fire and emergency service are performing a vital function in our communities. The events of September 11 reminded all of us of the grave situations that can confront uniformed officers and emergency personnel on any given day.

"What makes the activities of our talented and dedicated men and women so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that residents are safe. Our honorees perform awe-inspiring rescues, safeguard property and educate on fire safety without thought of compensation or recognition," Guardino added. "Thank you to our men and women in fire and emergency service. You make us proud every day of the year."