The impact of Tuesday’s tragedy in New York and Washington has been felt throughout the country, and Manville is no exception.
By:Alec Moore
The borough, along with hundreds of other communities across the tri-state region, lent support to the rescue efforts taking place in New York by sending a Manville Rescue Squad ambulance to the city as part of a Somerset County contingent of rescue workers.
Mayor Angelo Corradino, who saw firsthand the devastation caused by the hijackers of the two planes that were deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center buildings, called the scene "indescribable."
"I’m at a loss for words," the mayor said, recounting the rubble and cloud of smoke and dust that obscured the New York City skyline Tuesday.
"What happened was an atrocity," the mayor continued, emphasizing that he fully supports President Bush’s plan to determine the perpetrators and launch retaliatory measures.
Mayor Corradino spoke with members of Manville’s Office of Emergency Management early Tuesday where it was determined that two additional police officers be put on active duty that day and fire and rescue personnel remain alert.
"We were at the disposal of the county," the mayor said. He added that he and Manville Superintendent Dr. Francis Heelan chose to heed the advice of the county superintendent of schools and keep borough schools open, since many parents may not have been home to care for their children if they were dismissed early.
The public hearing on the proposed federal environmental cleanup of the Rustic Mall, originally scheduled for Tuesday night, was canceled indefinitely, with no new date set. As of Wednesday, however, the mayor pointed out that the borough would be up and running and handling its normal business.

