The New Kingstown Fire Company 9/11 Memorial and Firefighter Brick Garden

On September 1st, 2009, an email was received from the website "Firefighterclosecalls.com" and Deputy Chief William Goldfeder. In the email was a link to the September 11th Families Association. After visiting the website, it was discovered that nonprofit organizations, such as the New Kingstown Fire Company, could request an artifact from the Twin Towers. Safety Officer Glen Hostetler took the lead on this, and the process began. He began discussing the idea of obtaining an artifact with only a few select individuals of the fire company. The intent was not to hide anything but more to not disappoint if it didn't happen. It was also around this time that the plans were well underway for the new fire station, and it was felt this would be a perfect time to honor those who gave it all that day.

On November 9th, 2009, a letter was drafted and sent off requesting an artifact along with a description of how it would be displayed.

Several months go by and no word is heard. Glen reads articles that thousands of requests have been received. He began to write and call the contacts originally provided to no avail. Finally, around the end of July, a picture and description arrive for approval. Approval is granted on the artifact known as I-0076i. No other information is known at that time.

Again, months go by and no response or information regarding the artifact. Glen does more research and discovers that Billy Goldfeder is on the board for the organization. Glen has met Billy personally a few times and decides to contact him via email. Within 3 days, Glen received all the answers and on October 7th, 2010 (almost a year later) the legal process began which included forms to sign, proof of who Glen is and of the fire company. Along with this a "one million" dollar liability clause is needed just to pick up the artifact. Glen's quote "I guess it pays to know someone" hits right on spot.

Arrangements are made to travel to JFK Airport Hanger #17 in Mid-February 2011 to pick up the artifact. Pick-ups are only permitted on Wednesdays. Mother Nature decided different and produces a 'nor-Easter. Even though Central PA is spared, New York City and the surrounding area was buried. The trip is rescheduled for March 10th. That day, a group of three members (Glen and Sue Hostetler, and Darryl Sprague) leave the Station in Utility 33. It is a cold and rainy day, which kind of seemed fitting. There was no need for GPS since Darryl knew exactly where he was going.

Upon arrival, all credentials were checked along with the forms. Once they entered the hanger, the demeanor of the group changed. In front of them were all types of remnants from 9/11 including small and large pieces of steel, motors, crushed vehicles of Fire Apparatus, EMS Units, and Taxis-almost anything imaginable. They were asked to wait their turn in a room with windows inside the hanger. While waiting they saw the photo albums of over 1000 cataloged items from the smallest matchbook to the largest pieces. Some were cataloged as to where they were located or found. It was learned that our artifact has unknown information about its location.

Through small talk with individuals on site Glen learns that only 18% of the over 8000 requests have been honored as of that date.

The artifact was loaded in the Utility, a few pictures taken, and the group headed home. While on the way home some discussion takes place on where to locate the artifact with the new building construction well underway.

While The fire company members received official notification once everything was confirmed pictures were not shown. It was not until the Utility returned that we actually got to see what we were provided with. The steel "I" beam is unique in its own way. Looking at the way it was bent and twisted one could only imagine where it might have been in all of the destruction.

Discussion of how to display the artifact took several months. A local businessman Wayne Stevenson was contacted and designed and built a suitable mounting stand for the artifact. The artifact was delivered to Mr. Stevenson and left to his expertise. Wayne delivered the artifact to us and was officially displayed for the first time to the public during our annual Fair and Festival in July of 2011.

Approval is granted for a permanent display located on the east side of the fire station (Locust Point Road side) along with flagpoles and sufficient lighting. A memorial brick garden is also approved. Fire Company members completed these tasks in time for the official dedication ceremony on September 11th, 2011, on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

The official plaque, unveiled at the dedication, was added a few days later and reads:

This steel "I" Beam from the World Trade Center, disfigured as it is, displayed here serves as a reminder of the devastating and tragic events our nation endured on September 11, 2001. On that day 343 firefighter brothers of the Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY) gave without hesitation the ultimate sacrifice when the twin towers collapsed.

Race, Color or Creed did not matter on that day. They all had one purpose, to pull hope from the unfolding tragedy that fateful day.

GOD SPEED, PEACE BE WITH YOU, REST IN PEACE, and NEVER to be FORGOTTEN.

Special THANKS to Wayne E. Stevenson, Weskem Technologies, Inc. for fabricating and donating the bracket to properly display this "I" Beam.

NEW KINGSTOWN FIRE COMPANY

We, the members of the New Kingstown Fire Company are proud to have the display and memorial brick garden at the fire station and encourage you to stop by and take a look. It is so much more than just a piece of steel to us...and it should be to you as well!

NEVER FORGET!