Retired Brewster Fire Chief Speaks At Sept. 11 Vigil

 BREWSTER – Town staff, fire department members, police officers, veterans and residents congregated outside of the Brewster Fire Department to honor the victims and loved ones of the Sept. 11 attacks last Thursday. Robert Moran, the former Brewster Fire Chief, was at the event to provide remarks for the 24th anniversary.

 Current Chief Kevin Varley opened the event. 

“Today marks the 24th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation's history,” he said. “On that morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. Among them were 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and eight paramedics. Since this time, many more emergency response personnel have lost their lives to post-9/11 illnesses.”

 Jeff Mills, a Bugles Across America member, played taps as Cameron Beer, a local EMT, lowered the flag. Pastor Nate Ryan of the Brewster Baptist Church provided the invocation. 

 Moran previously served as the fire chief in Englewood, N.J. for 14 years. During his tenure, he was a member of a federal urban search and rescue team that was deployed to the World Trade Center in the aftermath of the attack, where he worked alongside fellow responders in the recovery and rescue efforts. 

Moran referenced an article he had written for Firehouse Magazine in March of this year titled “The Legacy You Paint Is Your Fire Service Tattoo.” He said the legacies left behind by the first responders and heroes of the tragic events of that day will be long remembered with admiration.  

 He also reflected on visiting the 9/11 museum on the grounds of the World Trade Center for the first time. 

 “Viewing the collection of crushed apparatus, twisted steel and the personal photos and chronicles of the lives of these heroes was an emotional experience,” he said. “While it brought back many raw memories of the sights, sounds and smells I witnessed, the visit also brought closure to that chapter in my life and, believe it or not, the emotions that have been attached.” 

 Moran was visibly emotional during his remarks. 

 Paramedic Christopher McGrath sounded the ceremonial bell. The tradition, Varley noted, reflects honor and respect. 

 Jeff Sivert, the new deputy fire chief, recited a poem by Alan W. Jankowski titled “We Shall Never Forget.” 

 Vanna Pacella opened and closed the ceremony with her renditions of the National Anthem and God Bless America.