Levittown Fire Chief and FDNY Lieutenant Ronald T. Kerwin lost his life trying to save others in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Now a commemorative sign dedicating Jeffries Road to this truly heroic man has been made in his memory.

During the first humid night in weeks, hundreds came out to honor Chief Kerwin, who made the ultimate sacrifice, with the unveiling of "Lt. Ronald T. Kerwin Road," near the corner of Jeffries Road and Gardiners Avenue.

"This is a pleasant memory sign," said Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes, referring to the street sign. "It will provide me with my memory of Ronnie...and it will always celebrate his life."

Levittown Fire Chief and FDNY Lieutenant Ronald T. Kerwin lost his life trying to save others in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Now a commemorative sign dedicating Jeffries Road to this truly heroic man has been made in his memory.

During the first humid night in weeks, hundreds came out to honor Chief Kerwin, who made the ultimate sacrifice, with the unveiling of "Lt. Ronald T. Kerwin Road," near the corner of Jeffries Road and Gardiners Avenue.

"This is a pleasant memory sign," said Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes, referring to the street sign. "It will provide me with my memory of Ronnie...and it will always celebrate his life."

Kerwin, who was 42 years old, was a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and a 16-year veteran of the Levittown Fire Department, joining in 1985. He had also previously been a volunteer in the Jericho Fire Department for some time, as he grew up in nearby Hicksville.

In 1998, Kerwin was handpicked to join the newly formed Squad 288, a specialized squad designed to respond to acts of terrorism. The squad shared its Maspeth, Queens firehouse with Hazardous Materials Company 1.

"That morning Squad 288 and Hazardous Material Company 1 participated in the largest rescue effort in the history of our country," said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "Ron was among those who made the supreme sacrifice doing the job that he loved."

Many members of the firehouse were present at the ceremony to honor their fallen comrade. The dedication was orchestrated by the Levittown Fire Department Commissioners and was followed by the dedication of the Gardiners Avenue Firehouse Meeting/Training Room as the Chief Ronald T. Kerwin Hall.

Kerwin's wife, Dianne, thanked everyone for the support that they have shown to both her and her children. She spoke very highly of her husband, saying that he was always willing to help residents in the local community, whether it be through the fire department or otherwise.

She recalled one time when he saw a woman walking in the community with a double stroller and her dog and noticed that the wheel had fallen off her stroller. She said that her husband packed up the woman, the children, the stroller and the dog into his car and drove them home.

"That was Ronnie," she said. "It didn't matter who it was, whether he knew them or not. He was always there helping people at home or at work."

Reminiscing about her husband's great sense of humor, she added, "He was always great for pulling a prank or telling a joke. Please keep sharing your Ronnie stories to keep his memory alive."

Captain Jeff Waterman said the proceeds they received would be turned over to the Kerwin family to establish a college fund in Ron's name, in addition to the Nassau University Medical Center Burn Unit. "We will never forget heroes like Ron," said Murray. "I truly believe that by remembering and celebrating their lives, we weave grief, pain and sorrow into strength, courage and connection."

Other dignitaries who were in attendance at the hour-long dedication included Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin Jr., Chief John Rottkamp, Chief Brian Holt, Father Kevin Smith (St. Francis de Salle, Patchogue), members of the Levittown Fire Department, Commissioner Tom Cuff and representatives from Squad 288 and Hazardous Materials Company 1, New York City Fire Department.

Kerwin is survived by his wife Dianne and three children Ryan, Keith and Colleen.