Firefighters, Family Dedicate Plaque For Fallen Fire Lieutenant On S.I.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hundreds of New York City firefighters were killed on September 11, and more died of illnesses from the terror attacks. One such victim was honored at a firehouse on Staten Island Monday, John Slattery reports.
Fire Lieutenant Robert Hess was assigned to the firehouse for Ladder 76 at 7219 Amboy Road. He died one year ago Monday from 9/11-related injuries.
In the Tottenville Section of Staten Island, scores of firefighters and family members showed up for the dedication of a plaque to Hess. There was no joyful mood at the firehouse, but rather one of success.
Bob Boleman worked with Hess.
"Nine-eleven was a horrible day for the New York City Fire Department. We lost 343 of our brother firemen, and now he succumbed to what he was exposed to down at Ground Zero," he said. "Our military did a tremendous job and I'm very proud. It's a proud day for the United States of America. It's a proud day for the New York City Fire Department."
For New York City's Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, the elimination of Osama bin Laden was long awaited.
"It's a great day for us. It's something that we've been waiting for since September 11. It's something our families have been waiting for, but again, we will not let our guard down," he said.
Cassano said when he got word that bin Laden had been killed, he was stunned.
1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck With Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano
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"I was overjoyed because I never thought we'd catch him. I never thought we would kill him. I am overjoyed, I am celebrating, but that's not going to last for long. We're going to get back to work." he told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck.
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