Task Force One Honored as 9/11 Anniversary Approaches

As Hoboken prepares to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Senator Robert Menendez and other local elected officials and rescue officers gathered in Pier A Park on Friday afternoon to show their support for New Jersey’s Task Force One, who played an essential role on that fateful day.

Menendez was rallying for support to designate Task Force One as an official FEMA-supported team, which would bring additional funding to the squad, and allow them to respond to out of state requests for help.

“Hoboken played such an important role in responding to 9/11, and so many of those responders are here today,” said Zimmer, referring not only to Task Force One, but also to the many Hoboken and Jersey City officers in attendance. 

“We must continue to ensure that we are as prepared as possible in the event of another tragedy,” said Zimmer.

Menendez took the podium next, remarking that September 11, 2001 started as a similarly clear and sunny day, "but a day that turned ashen along the way."

“It’s important to recognize the first responders,” said Menendez. “They didn’t just stand there, they went to work.”

Menedez also reiterated his support for FEMA to designate Task Force One as one of their official teams, saying that FEMA “would only be enhanced.”

James Riley, the founder of New Jersey’s Task Force One presented Menendez with an official TF1 hat and shirt and said simply: “Thank you for making us the most well-equipped, highly trained force in the nation.”

Also in attendance at the event were Councilwoman Beth Mason, Police Chief Anthony Falco and Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano.

“Menendez has always been a staunch supporter of emergency groups, and this shows his determination to enhance security,” said Romano. “Where we are [in Hudson County], it’s important, ever since 9/11.”

“The talent in Hudson County, the task force, it’s fantastic,” said Mason, who remembered working , and the droves of people that found refuge in Hoboken after escaping lower Manhattan.

“We’re far safer today, we have use of intelligence,” said Menendez, urging people not to worry, but to stay aware. “It’s time to continue to do what we do every day.”