South Fire's 9/11 Memorial Will Spotlight WTC Steel Beam

By the 12th anniversary of Sept. 11, the city will be home to a memorial incorporating the World Trade Center steel beam whose rusted hulk dramatically marks the South District Firehouse.

The announcement was made at the second of two Middletown ceremonies marking the 11th anniversary Tuesday — on day as sunny and blue-skied as Sept. 11, 2001.

The Middletown 9-11 Memorial will include a brick-lined circular path, the flagpole, stone benches and colorful trees and bushes, according to landscaping plans by Amy E. Sampson of AES Design unveiled at the South Fire's observance of the 11th anniversary of the American tragedy.

As state Sens. Paul Doyle and Len Suzio, state Reps. Christie Carpino, Joseph Serra and Matthew Lesser, Mayor Dan Drew, police and firefighters stood by, South Fire Capt. Michael Howley read from a letter from Chief Edward Badamo, who could not make the ceremony.

Fire Commission Chair David Gallitto told those gathered that the department expects to finish the memorial by Sept. 11, 2013. Memorial bricks that can be inscribed with names and messages are now being sold.

An hour before, the dignified police and fire color guard marked Sept. 11 on the South Green, where Drew was among those who spoke on this solemn day. Fire Marshal Al Santostefano rang the Signal 5555 bell, which resounded in honor of those lost in the line of duty.

At both ceremonies, Drew spoke of Councilwoman Hope Kasper's late brother-in-law Bruce Eagleson of Middlefield, who perished in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, after helping his company's 10 other employees to safety.