Fire Company To Rededicate Memorial In the aftermath of the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, as the nation struggled to come to terms with the sense of sadness and loss shared by all Americans memorials were conceived and built to commemorate those who perished in the attacks and ensure that tragic day and the legacy of the heroes who responded would never be forgotten. This was a pattern in northeast Pennsylvania and Pike County due in particular to the proximity of the area to the World Trade Center site, what would eventually be called “ground zero” and become for all time hallowed ground. It was and remains difficult to not speak with or know some county resident that didn't have some personal, family or extended connection to the people and places that were involved that day. These connections were significantly poignant for members of the Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company, many with relatives and friends in close proximity
to the events in NYC and first or second hand knowledge of the victims there. In the early hours and days after the attack and in the months to come, fire company members and there families struggled to come to terms with the the feelings of helplessness and many activities were undertaken to provide support to those rescue workers at the scene by collecting and sending supplies to the recovery activities. Early on in the aftermath, it was confirmed that among the 343 members of FDNY and 11 members of Rescue Company 5 to lose their lives that day was Doug Miller Chief of the Mill Rift fire Department here in Pike County and also a former member of Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Company. While his service with Delaware Township was relatively brief and prior to any of the members at the time had joined, his loss was deeply felt and by the end of the first anniversary year discussion was begun on creating a lasting memorial to Doug, his FDNY brothers and the other
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LIVING DELAWARE | FALL 2021
victims. By the end of 2003, plans had been developed and funds allocated to establish a memorial within the garden in front of the fire station to provide a permanent and lasting tribute to all the heroes and victims from all three sites. Work was completed by the members in time for the annual memorial service conducted in 2004 and has remained the focal point for all succeeding services until this point in time.
adorned the branches of the tree with miniature angels in her memory. The final fixture in the original construction was a restored wheeled dry chemical fire extinguisher, which had served as a primary firefighting resource for the Dingmans Ferry Bridge and symbolized the deep connection between the community and the fire company since its founding in 1955.
As fire company leadership began discussion began in In addition to the stone 2020 about plans for the 2021 memorial for Miller and memorial service, a committee the other 342 members of was formed to recommend FDNY the fire company also renovations and maintenance agreed to provide space to the to the existing site to prepare “laura's angels” group who for the 20th anniversary. It planted a blue spruce tree in was discovered that almost all memory of Laura Ragonese of the existing structure was -Snik, a Monroe County either beyond repair or would resident with strong ties to the require extensive work and Dingman's Ferry community. so by consensus the company Ms. Ragonese-Snik worked decided a full replacement for one of the corporations in would be undertaken. A the WTC as a risk manager design more consistent with and was also lost that day. The permanence was developed dedication of that portion of and approved and demolition the memorial was established of the old garden accomplished as the balance point to the in late spring of 2021 with firefighter memorial and a support and assistance of the permanent reminder that not Delaware Township Board of just first responders but the Supervisors. Construction of entire community was eternally the new site was accomplished effected by the that day. Across during July and August of the intervening years, her family this year. Thanks in part to and friends have attended a generous endowment the the services held there and company received in 2020
and donations from vendors because of the nature of the project, no operating funds or taxpayer monies were expended and much of the labor was performed by company members. The new design features all paver and masonry construction for durability and permanence. A new tree of an ornamental variety has been planted and the marker and bench memorializing Laura RagoneseSnik restored by one of the past chiefs of the fire company. A new flagpole and custom made bell have been added and all original stonework and the extinguisher restored. The focal point is a a half scale custom bronze firefighter statue in memory of Doug Miller and those other firefighters who perished and those who still serve, in FDNY, Delaware Township and across Pennsylvania and America. The entire complex at 131 Wilson Hill Road in Delaware Township will be rededicated at 5pm on September11, 2021 with remarks from both fire company and government officials. The public is cordially invited to attend and help us continue the legacy to “ALWAYS REMEBER, NEVER FORGET” PAGE 9
