Bellmore FD Honors Their Fallen on 9/11 Anniversary

Victoria Bancke was in the first grade on Sept. 11, 2001. Today she is 15 years old and a proud member of the Bellmore Fire Department as a junior firefighter.

Bancke was one of many on hand for the wreath ceremony Saturday afternoon, held in honor of those who'd fallen on that fateful day nine years ago.

"I joined when I was in the eighth grade," Victoria said. "It's fun to be a part of the fire department."

It can also be heartbreaking as her grandfather, Peter Schmalenberger, 56-year department member, made clear. He had to first gather himself before answering what the 9/11 date meant to him.

"We lost two boys, Kevin Prior and Adam Rand," said Schmalenberger. "They were like children to me. Kevin used to come to the department when he was just a boy on his moped." 

Schmalenberger then pointed out the two fire trucks that were dedicated to the young men. Kevin Prior was 28 and Adam Rand, 30, when they died saving others from the World Trade Center buildings.

Prior to the ceremony, MyrnaWeinman, of Weinman Hardware, brought flowers to the memorial, which is located directly across from the fire department.

"It's a very tough day," she said.

Fire Chief Thomas Stoerger echoed this sentiment.

"It's a day of mourning and remembrance," he added. "Not only for two members we loss, but for all those who perished. But we don't need a special day. They are always in our thoughts."

The ceremony included a reading of the names of all those from Bellmore who died on 9/11, as well as firefighter Sean McCarthy, who succumbed to a post-9/11 illness.

Flowers were presented to family members of the fallen. Adam Rand's mother, Maryann Rand, thanked the fire department for being so loyal for so many years.

"He died doing what he loved," she said. "He's my hero."

The firefighters and their families attended a mass together at St. Barnabas following the ceremony.