Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 19, 2025 Saugus firefighters who visited Ground Zero reflect on 24th anniversary of attacks By Tara Vocino T he 24th Anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks ceremony took a special meaning for some retired and current Saugus firefighters who traveled to New York City’s lower Manhattan following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Saugus resident and former Fire Chief James Blanchard, who was a captain at the time, went to the Twin Towers a month after the plane crashes. “We raised several thousand dollars for Stephen Gerard Siller, who died trying to save others,” Blanchard said. “It was a thrill to talk to his family, although both his parents had died, and it was very somber.” According to Blanchard, the off-duty firefighter ran approximately 2 miles when the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel was closed in his effort to save others. His heroism inspired the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which hosts an annual 5K walk around that route. Saugus Fire Captain Scott Phelan, who also traveled to NYC following the attacks, said it was indescribable to see the devastation. “The respect that the city had for firefighters is unmatched,” Phelan said. “It’s a very small thing to have done in comparison.” Saugus Fire Lt. Damian Drella knew Firefighter Gerard Dewan, 35, who was originally from Boston but worked as a firefighter in New York. “I went down there this weekend to visit the museum and Ground Zero,” Drella said. “It’s a somber day for me.” Saugus Fire Captain William Cross recalled his journey to the site, noting how big the area was. “It was sobering to see all of the signs and posters that people posted throughout the city looking for their loved ones,” Cross said. “But I still go back to thinking of the firefighters that knew they were probably not going to make it out and they went in anyway.” It’s estimated they saved more than 25,000 people before the collapse — the largest rescue effort in history. Founders Day Heroes H ere is a list of the past “Persons of the Year” since the award became a key part of Saugus Founders Day in 1989. In 1993, separate awards were presented to a woman and a man selected for the honor. On two occasions, a husband and wife shared the honor for one of the awards (1999 and 2000). During the 35 years that the award has been presented (nobody was honored during two years of COVID-19), there have been 68 honorees. Past honorees convene each year before Founders Day to vote on nominations for a new “Woman of the Year” and “Man of the Year.” The plaque is inscribed with this tribute: “In Recognition of Your Dedication to The Town of Saugus. This Award Truly Exemplifies the Outstanding Ideals and Spirit of Our Founding Fathers. THE TOWN OF SAUGUS SALUTES YOU.” Lt. Damian Drella, who knew Firefighter Gerard Dewan, rang the bell in his memory during last Thursday’s 24th annual 911 ceremony outside the fire station. Retired Fire Captain William O’Malley paid his respects. Shown from left to right: Lt. Robert Johnson, Firefighters Derek Hickman, Frank Raimo, Michael James and Paul Eaves, Lt. Mark Gannon, Firefighter Christopher Hunt, Captain Scott Phelan, Retired Captain William O’Malley, and Fire Chief Michael Newbury stood at attention. Firefighter Christopher Vinard read the firefighters’ prayer. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Firefighters Joseph Prince and Derek Lanzillo lowered the flag to half-mast. Firefighters Joseph Prince and Derek Lanzillo raised the flag. Year – Recipient 1989 – Stanley Day 1990 – William McKinney 1991 – Belden Bly 1992 – Dr. Herb Upton 1993 – Alice Vail & James Virnelli 1994 – Barbara MacKenzie & John Lumsden 1995 – Kathy Blasingame & Edwin “Bucker” Holmes 1996 – Rosemary Degregorio & Clayton Trefry 1997 – Marie Poitras & Rev. Walter Smith 1998 – Therese Nolan & Ken Barnes 1999 – Louise Rossetti & Nancy & Earl Ellis 2000 – Barbara & Ralph Badger & Charles Aftosmes 2001 – Carol Cashman & Dr. Frederick Wagner 2002 – Donna Gould & Rev. Roger Nelson 2003 – Florence Chandler & Norman Hansen 2004 – Ellen Burns & Carmine Moschella 2005 – Janet Leuci & John Burns 2006 – Marilyn Carlson & Richard Barry 2007 – Jean Banks & Bob Davis 2008 – Janice Jarosz & Fred Brooks 2009 – Ann Marie Crowell & Harry Mazman 2010 – Shirley Bogdan & Doug Cooper 2011 – Katie Galenius & Stephen Rich 2012 – Dorothy Amsden & Peter Bogdan 2013 – Margie Berkowitch & Stephen Carlson 2014 – Ann Devlin & Gordon Shepard 2015 – Joyce Rodenhiser & Timothy Hawkes 2016 – Donna Manoogian & Edward Carlson 2017 – Ruth Berg & Robert Long 2018 – Janette Fasano & Peter Manoogian 2019 – Debra Dion-Faust & Randy Briand 2020 – No recipients/event canceled (COVID-19) 2021 – Event held, but no recipients (COVID-19) 2022 – Laura Eisener & Thomas Sheehan 2023 – Gail Cassarino & Jack Klecker 2024 – Mary Dunlop & William Boomhower 2025 – Nancy Prag & Eugene Decareau
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