Prayer vigils held in local churches for attack victims
By:Vanessa S. Holt and David Koch
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, residents of area towns tried to make sense of the day’s events as the disaster unfolded on televisions and radios.
The sound of local emergency vehicles’ sirens on Tuesday were a reminder that communities in Burlington County, an hour away from the devastation in New York City, would be affected by the violence.
Local police departments Tuesday morning were in a "heightened state of alert," said Florence Township Police Capt. Joseph Gadbois.
"We’re keeping in close touch with school system," he said. "We will assist wherever we can, however we can."
Teachers and administrators tried to keep students calm. Many area students have parents who work in New York City, said school officials. Administrators at John Hydock Elementary School in Mansfield set up a crisis management station made up of the school’s superintendent, guidance counselor, child study team director, and nurse to help students cope with the tragedy on an individual basis.
"We did a search for kids with dual parents who work in New York, and we found a half-dozen," School Principal Joseph Langowski said Tuesday. "If we get news about any children who were directly affected, we will deal with them."
While events unfolded throughout the day, police, fire, and emergency crews around the area were ready to help. Local fire units assembled yesterday at the Burlington County Safety Center in Westampton awaiting direction by the county and local Emergency Management Coordinator and state police.
Florence Township Fire District No. 1 Chief Edward Kensler said that although fire apparatus had not been needed, volunteers from Roebling Rescue Squad were among those who responded as part of the county’s coordinated plan.
"This is a tragedy we never expected," said Chief Kensler. "We feel for our brothers and sisters who may have perished."
Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 Chief Steven Scholey said fire and rescue personnel from Bordentown City responded to a call from the county on Tuesday afternoon with one ambulance reporting to the Meadowlands staging area last night.
At home, communities rallied together to deal with Tuesday’s tragedy. Outside the Mansfield Municipal Building in Columbus, a prayer vigil was held as the flag stood half-staff. Mansfield Mayor Dalpat Patel and Committeeman Kelly Shea spoke to a sad and sullen crowd.
Employees at the Farnsworth Deli in Bordentown City said customers had expressed both sadness and rage throughout the day Tuesday, some breaking into tears and others angrily denouncing the terrorist acts and calling for retaliation.
One customer, Rich Chrzanowski of Imlaystown, said he used to drive a limousine to the World Trade Center several times a week and could not believe that it was now gone.
"I hope our elected representatives have the courage to follow through and find out who is responsible," he said. "Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again."
Celeste Gray, a Bordentown City resident and high school senior, said the day’s events reminded her of a book about Hiroshima she had read over the summer.
"We’re watching history," she said.
Deli employee Bill Mercantini had just returned from donating blood late Tuesday afternoon. As early as 1 p.m. there were already about 60 people in line, he said.
Mr. Mercantini was one of many New Jersey residents who responded to the desperate call for blood donors throughout the region. For information on the blood donation center nearest you, call the American Red Cross at (609) 267-9595. Blood donors will be needed throughout the upcoming weeks.
At area schools, teachers and administrators tried to maintain the normal daily routine for their students; discussions of the details of the tragedy were avoided.
"Those things were discussed with the family, and not here, which I think is the appropriate place," said Mr. Langowski, the principal at John Hydock Elementary School.
One teacher was placed on each school bus going home after school Tuesday, while parents and neighbors were contacted to make sure children do not go home to unattended houses.
Mr. Langowski said at Tuesday’s school board meeting that only two children were sent back because of an unattended home, and were later picked up by parents.
Most local schools did not close this week, but after-school activities were canceled on Tuesday. Elementary schools in Chesterfield and Springfield reported that they had tried to conduct a normal school day and did not tell the young elementary school students about the attacks when they first occurred, said school officials.
Bordentown Regional School District Superintendent John Polomano said emergency reaction teams were in place in district schools by 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The teams, made up of staff, guidance counselors, administration and teachers, are trained to respond to student needs in crisis situations.
Mr. Polomano said teachers and emergency reaction teams talk to children on an age-appropriate level during a crisis.
Many children in the area have families who will be affected by the attacks, he said.
"It’s not only people who worked there; there were people on flights, children whose parents work in emergency services, or at McGuire Air Force Base and Fort Dix; there’s a big ripple effect," he said.
Mr. Polomano said he advised everyone at the school to "take a deep breath and keep completely calm. We’re in a safe environment, but it is very traumatic."
Prayer services were held at many places of worship in the area on Tuesday night. The Rev. Mickey Bender of United Methodist Church in Bordentown City led a small group gathered in prayer with the wish for a more peaceful future.
The Fountain of Life Center in Florence also held a special prayer meeting on Tuesday night.
Public relations director Pat Miller said people had been coming in and out of the church throughout the day on Tuesday offering prayers and support.
"Many members of the church work in New York City," she added. "Most people are just trying to stay calm."
If you were personally touched by the tragedy and would like to share your story, please call the Register-News at (609) 448-8145 or e-mail [email protected].

