The Mineola Fire Department is accepting monetary donations for the widow/widowers and children of mortally wounded firefighters and police officers at the World Trace Center terrorist attack. Please make your check payable to the Mineola Fire Department and each week we will provide a listing to the Mineola American with the names of the donors. If you do not wish to have your name listed in the paper, please advise us of that along with your check.

Chief DeStefano states that by making your check out to the Mineola Fire Department, you can be assured that the money is going directly to the people who need it most. The Mineola Fire Department has received many calls for accepting donations and we feel that this is the best way to handle the individual needs of our fallen heroes' families.

The Mineola Fire Department has been on standby alert since the attack to protect you, the residents and business owners of our community, and we have also responded with an engine, rescue truck and manpower to New York City at the request of the FDNY Command Center. In addition, we have loaded and unloaded several trailers of supplies from Shea Stadium. Already, 103 of Mineola's bravest have assisted in the World Trade Center attack.

Please pray for the fallen heroes and their families, but let's not forget about all of the rescue workers risking their lives every day while trying to find anyone that may still be alive.

Remember, display your flag proudly and God Bless America!