9/11 Rescue Dogs Honored With Bronze Statue In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — When Essex County residents visit the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial in West Orange, they’ll be able to offer tribute to the dogs involved in the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

On Wednesday, Essex County officials gathered at the memorial site to dedicate the “Essex County Search and Rescue Dog Statue,” a four-feet, 5,000-pound, bronze representation of a canine that sits on a 12-inch block of granite.

Sculptor Jay Warren from Oregon designed the canine portion of the statue, and artist Harry Gordon from Lambertville designed the base. Funding was gained through corporate contributions from The Berger Organization, Community Education Centers, Covanta Energy, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Laborers’ Local 472 and Verizon.

A plaque next to the statue reads:

“More than 350 search and rescue dogs were called into action on September 11, 2001. They scrambled over the smoldering debris of the Twin Towers, using all their senses to locate survivors – to no avail. From Daschunds to Golden Retrievers, dogs and their owners, all well-trained for the mission, were stunned by their inability to find a living soul. They did their best at the Pentagon site, as well. As the reality of the situation became starkly evident, depression reached the first responders, the owners and their animals, and soon, the dogs began to play another role – that of comforter. They snuggled close to workers taking a moment of respite from their grueling labors, rested a head upon a knee, the men and women drawing solace from the warm touch of the animal – and the dog rewarded with strokes and soft words. Search and rescue dogs have served during traumatic events throughout the world, from Oklahoma City to Haiti, reminding us, over and over, of the unbreakable bonds we share.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said that expanding the 9/11 memorial is the county’s way of recognizing the many lives that were lost and the different segments of public safety that came to help in the wake of the attacks.

“In our lives, dogs become part of our family, are trusted friends and played an integral role in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero and the Pentagon,” DiVincenzo said. “This statue will ensure their contributions during that ordeal are always remembered.”

“Today we pay tribute to the roughly 350 search and rescue dogs that worked tireless hours trying to locate survivors amid the twisted pile of steel beams, concrete and ash where the World Trade Center once stood, in addition to the Pentagon,” New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino said.

Photo: Glen Frieson

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