Firefighters from Engine 44 were among many local firefighters and police officers whose heroic efforts were recognized at the "Honoring Our Community" reception. From left: Firefighter Edward Kennedy; Firefighter Richard Boeri; Lt. Kevin Rice; Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coico, senior associate dean for research; Dr. Herbert Pardes, president of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; Jimmy Curran, president of the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation; and firefighter Kurt Rahner.
Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital co-hosted an "Honoring Our Community" reception on Nov. 28 in the Griffis Faculty Club to recognize the courageous efforts of our local police and fire departments and the Hospital's EMS workers during the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
The reception was co-sponsored by Dr. Antonio Gotto, dean of the Medical College; Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; and the Community Advisory Board at NewYork Weill Cornell.
Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coico, senior associate dean for research, made the introductory remarks for the Medical College: "The devastating attacks of Sept. 11 forced us all to reflect on the fragility of life. As medical staff rushed to treat the many victims admitted to our Emergency Room and Burn Center, we also mourned the thousands who tragically perished in the disaster. Those of us who lost loved ones are still trying to cope with the tremendous sense of loss and despair. Yet, throughout our darkest hours, exist signs of hope ... .symbolized by those who risked their lives in order to save countless others. Members from the New York Police Department and Fire Department of New York are here to receive due recognition for their tireless and selfless acts ... which give true meaning to the words 'New York's finest' and 'New York's bravest.'"
Jonathan Altschuler, vice chairman of the Community Advisory Board, made presentations thanking Dr. Neal Flomenbaum, emergency physician-in-chief at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center; Jack Delaney, head of the Hospital's Emergency Services; and Dr. Roger Yurt, director of NewYork Weill Cornell's William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, for all their efforts in caring for victims of the disaster.
NewYork Weill Cornell also presented honorary plaques to local police officers and firefighters in recognition of their "extraordinary dedication and commitment to our community."
In attendance were representatives from the offices of local elected officials, Deputy Inspector Howard Lawrence and police officers from the 19th Precinct in Manhattan, and firefighters from Engine 44 on E. 75th St.