September 2026: Volume 26 - Issue 12 - Hicksville Fire Department 25th Remembrance of September 11

Written by: Karl Schweitzer, Class of 1981

ORGANIZED 1893
HICKSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
20 GEBHARDT PLAZA
HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK 11801
BUSINESS PHONE (516) 933-6444
FAX (516) 933-6417
https://www.hiclsvillefd.com

September 7, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hicksville Fire Department Announces 25th Remembrance of September 11 with Memorial Mass and Ceremony

Community Observances will be held September 11 and September 13, 2026

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. - Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department Chief of Department will host two events commemorating the 25th remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Family members, friends, firefighters and community residents are invited to gather on Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, to remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks.

“As we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, we remain committed to ensuring that the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the courage shown on that day are never forgotten,” Chief Wright said. “We invite every member of our community to stand with us as we remember our fallen brothers, our neighbors and all those whose lives were forever changed.”

Memorial Remembrance Mass

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Holy Family Church, Fordham Avenue, Hicksville

The commemoration will begin with a Memorial Remembrance Mass at Holy Family Church. The community is invited to join members of the Hicksville Fire Department in prayer and reflection as they remember the somber events of September 11, 2001, and honor all those affected by the attacks and their lasting consequences.

• Download booklet here.
• Download program here.
• Karl Schweitzer remarks.

September 11 Memorial Ceremony

Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Strong Street Fire Station Memorial, Hicksville

On Sunday, September 13, the Hicksville Fire Department will gather at the September 11 memorial located at the Strong Street Fire Station. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with the presentation of colors.

The memorial was erected in honor of Ex-Chief Terrence Farrell and Honorary Chief George Howard, both of whom lost their lives while participating in rescue efforts on September 11, 2001.

Ex-Chief Farrell was a member of Citizens Engine Company No. 3 and an elite member of the New York City Fire Department’s Rescue Company 4.

Honorary Chief Howard was a former Captain of Emergency Company No. 5 and a member of the Port Authority Police Department’s Emergency Services Bureau assigned to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In addition to Ex-Chief Farrell and Honorary Chief Howard, the Fire Department will recognize the following individuals who once called Hicksville home and who died either on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered as a result of the attacks:

“The names read during this ceremony represent far more than a list,” Program Chair and Honorary Captain Michael Kretz said. “Each name represents a life, a family and a connection to Hicksville. Our program has been carefully prepared to honor them with the dignity, respect and gratitude they deserve.”

The approximately 45-minute memorial service is expected to include:

• A color guard procession led by representatives of the United States Marine Corps League, Port Authority Police Department, New York City Fire Department and Hicksville Fire Department
• A procession of Hicksville firefighters led by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums
• Performances of the National Anthem and “God Bless America” by Freddie McFarland of the Levittown Fire Department
• Personal reflections from New York State Senator Steven Rhoads and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker
• Blessings and prayers offered by the Reverend Christopher Sullivan, Pastor of Holy Family Church
• The tolling of the bell for those who once called Hicksville home and died on September 11, 2001, or from illnesses suffered in the years that followed
• There will be a Helicopter Flyover by the Nassau County Aviation Bureau.

A member of the United States military will play “Taps” as officers of Citizens Engine Company No. 3 and Emergency Company No. 5 place memorial wreaths.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, residents will be invited to place a single carnation at the base of the memorial as a personal expression of remembrance.

“We hope families, friends and residents will join us for both the Mass and the memorial ceremony,” Honorary Captain Kretz said. “Their presence helps demonstrate that, even after 25 years, Hicksville continues to remember and continues to stand beside the families of those we lost.”

About the Hicksville Fire Department

The Hicksville Fire Department has been committed to protecting the Hicksville community since 1893. The Department strives to provide and maintain superb fire protection, fire prevention and emergency services while anticipating the needs and challenges of future generations. The Hicksville Fire Department provides emergency coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its companies are staffed entirely by dedicated professional volunteers who provide these services at no cost to Hicksville residents.

For additional information, visit www.hicksvillefd.com.

Media Contact: Ex-Chief Karl M Schweitzer, Public Information Officer

Hicksville Fire Department
Phone: 516-933-6445
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