By Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — The community gathered to honor township resident Pamela Gaff and the New York City firefighters, police officers and Port Authority officers who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Thirteen years ago today a terrible national tragedy unfolded in front of us," said Firefighter Erik Eitel. "The worst terrorist attack against our nation killed thousands including hundreds of firefighters."
The Robbinsville Fire Department conducted the annual ceremony at the memorial located on the corner of Lake Drive and Hutchinson Road about 10 a.m. Sept. 11.
"This wreath and this memorial are dedicated to the lasting memory of Robbinsville Township resident Pamela Gaff and to the 343 NYC firefighters, the 23 NYC police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers who died on Sept. 11, 2001," he said. Two two firefighters then laid a wreath at the memorial.
He acknowledged Ms. Gaff’s husband, who was not in attendance.
"I would like to acknowledge Kevin Gaff, who is not here today, as it is his wife Pamela for whom this memorial was originally dedicated," he said. "It is our hope that this memorial will be an everlasting remembrance."
None of the firefighters here ever met Ms. Gaff but by laying this wreath and maintaining this memorial we have forge an eternal bond, he added.
Local dignitaries, including Mayor Dave Fried, Council Member Christine Ciaccio, and township administration staff were in attendance.
Firefighter Eitel thanked a group of high school students who helped to "spruce up" the 9/11 memorial by painting the fence, planting mums, and trimming bushes on Sept. 6.
"Their efforts were greatly appreciated," he said.
He thanked Ms. Ciaccio for donating the mums and the Public Works Department for the mulch.
"A beautiful September morning turned into a horrific chapter of our history," he said. "Although we could never erase those memories we gather today to commemorate the fine Americans whose lives were taken from us."
He noted that today should be about the memories of the people who lost their lives.
"Despite the horrific images that have been seared into our memories today should be about the memories of thousands of great people," he said. "Many of them were fathers, mothers, friends, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters. People like those standing right next to us now."
He asked the audience to imagine their lives without a loved one.
"These are the people we remember today," he said. "The words Never Forget are familiar to those in the fire service. The men and women whose names we will read selflessly carried out their duties, all of them knowing the dangers that they faced and many of them knowing that they would never return."
He reflected back on how departments were notified when a firefighter died in the line of duty before telephones and radios through a special signal.
"Long before telephones and radios fire departments received a telegraph," he said. "When the handle was pulled on the once familiar red fire alarm boxes on nearly every street corner in America a special code was transmitted to every fire station. When a firefighter died in the line of duty the fire alarm office would tap out a special signal. That signal was five measured dashes then a pause and this repeated four times. This became universally known as the Tolling of the Bell."
He noted that this signal was a "sign of honor and respect for all firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice."
"Today we will honor that tradition and transmit the signal 5-5-5-5 to honor all the firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001, while operating at Manhattan Box 8087."
He asked for a moment of silence "signifying the collapse of the South Tower" followed by members of the fire department taking turns to read the names of all 343 New York City firefighters who died.
"In addition to the 343 names we just read an additional 89 FDNY members who have died in the last 13 years due to World Trade Center related diseases," said Firefighter Manuel Iglesias.
He concluded with reading the Firefighter’s Prayer.
"When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age," he read. "Help me embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life; please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife."
"We really appreciate it in here Robbinsville everybody showing their support and coming out," he said.

