New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano recently toured Ground Zero with Elmont resident and New York City Firefighter David Dangerfield, who works at the Special Operations Command Center of the New York City Fire Department. Dangerfield showed the delegation the ongoing efforts at the site and the different operations associated with the fire department, police and MTA, pointing out the various collection points and procedures used to remove the debris.

Even as Dangerfield was showing the delegates around, dump truck after dump truck was pulling out of the crater with full loads of dirt, cement and debris.

"When you see the site and the magnitude of the effort, it really brings home the gravity and emotion that the attack had on our country," Alfano said. "I can't thank the firefighters, police and volunteers enough for their work at Ground Zero."

The tour Alfano took included Florida Secretary of Education Charles Christ and Governor Pataki's appointee to New York State's Small Business Investment Company Vincent Cappucci. Alfano led the delegation as part of his ongoing efforts to support the redevelopment and clean up of the former World Trade Center site. The 22nd Assembly District suffered great losses in the tragedy, but was also cited as a true beacon of hope with support from the various volunteer fire departments and support staff from the MTA, police and local efforts of its citizens.

"One of the things that makes an impression on you is the sheer volume of people, equipment and size of the entire area. You can still see the remnants of building struts and outlines," said Alfano.