Fire Co. 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 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.

In addition to the stone memorial for Miller and the other 342 members of FDNY the fire company also agreed to provide space to the “laura's angels” group who planted a blue spruce tree in memory of Laura Ragonese -Snik, a Monroe County resident with strong ties to the Dingman's Ferry community. Ms. Ragonese-Snik worked for one of the corporations in the WTC as a risk manager and was also lost that day. The dedication of that portion of the memorial was established as the balance point to the firefighter memorial and a permanent reminder that not just first responders but the entire community was eternally effected by the that day. Across the intervening years, her family and friends have attended the services held there and 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 2020 about plans for the 2021 memorial service, a committee was formed to recommend renovations and maintenance to the existing site to prepare for the 20th anniversary. It was discovered that almost all of the existing structure was either beyond repair or would require extensive work and so by consensus the company decided a full replacement would be undertaken. A design more consistent with permanence was developed and approved and demolition of the old garden accomplished in late spring of 2021 with support and assistance of the Delaware Township Board of Supervisors. Construction of the new site was accomplished during July and August of this year. Thanks in part to a generous endowment the 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 Ragonese-

Snik 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”

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