WANAQUE — Hundreds of residents lined Ringwood Avenue on Sunday as first responders from North Jersey led an emotional procession that included a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
"People brought flags and children were saluting as we drove by," said Karen Cisco, president of the Wanaque First Aid Squad.
The 5 1/2-foot, 281-pound piece of steel, which came from an elevator in the North Tower, was transported by a squad ambulance.
"We were going to treat it like a patient, with dignity, honor, and give it the best treatment possible," Cisco said.
In one of the day's most emotional moments, John Balaga Sr. of Wanaque, whose son, John Jr., 35, died in the World Trade Center attack, kissed the steel piece as his wife, Frances, stood by.
Four Wanaque squad members carried the steel piece past first responders from Bloomingdale, West Milford, Ringwood and Oakland. "It was very emotional for everybody," Wanaque police Detective Capt. Thomas Norton said.
The steel piece will be housed inside the squad building on Melrose Avenue until Sept. 10 — the day before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 — when it will go on display outside the squad building.
E-mail: bautista@northjersey.com
WANAQUE — Hundreds of residents lined Ringwood Avenue on Sunday as first responders from North Jersey led an emotional procession that included a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
"People brought flags and children were saluting as we drove by," said Karen Cisco, president of the Wanaque First Aid Squad.
The 5 1/2-foot, 281-pound piece of steel, which came from an elevator in the North Tower, was transported by a squad ambulance.
"We were going to treat it like a patient, with dignity, honor, and give it the best treatment possible," Cisco said.
In one of the day's most emotional moments, John Balaga Sr. of Wanaque, whose son, John Jr., 35, died in the World Trade Center attack, kissed the steel piece as his wife, Frances, stood by.
Four Wanaque squad members carried the steel piece past first responders from Bloomingdale, West Milford, Ringwood and Oakland. "It was very emotional for everybody," Wanaque police Detective Capt. Thomas Norton said.
The steel piece will be housed inside the squad building on Melrose Avenue until Sept. 10 — the day before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 — when it will go on display outside the squad building.
E-mail: bautista@northjersey.com
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