Statue of German Shepherd to honor dogs that helped in rescue and recovery efforts

Farmingville, NY – In honor of the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, Councilwoman Jane Bonner is pleased to announce that the Town of Brookhaven and Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6249 will be working together to add a bronze statue of a German Shepherd dog to the 9/11 memorial located at the Town’s Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram. The statue will serve to honor the animals that played a vital part in the rescue and recovery effort following the attacks, as well as those that provide assistance and companionship to both our soldiers overseas and veterans here at home.

Councilwoman Bonner said, “I am proud to work again with the Rocky Point VFW to make sure that all of those who were part of that fateful day are remembered and appreciated, including the animals.” She continued, “I commend Rich Acritelli and Joe Cognitore and the members of the Rocky Point VFW for honoring the extraordinary dogs that worked through such hazardous conditions in the wreckage of the fallen towers.”

“The people who we lost on September 11th will forever be remembered thanks to the dedication of the men and women of the Rocky Point VFW Post 6249,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “The Diamond in the Pines memorial, as well as the new bronze statue, serves as a reminder that the American spirit of bravery and determination is not only present in people, but also in the dogs that continue to serve as part of our Armed Forces.”

Rich Acritelli from the Rocky Point VFW said, “Thanks to the Town of Brookhaven, we were able to erect the 9-11 Memorial at Diamond in the Pines Park and I, along with Joe Cognitore and the Diamond in the Pines Learning Site committee, look forward to dedicating this new statue during a special 11th anniversary ceremony later this year. The community and local businesses really stepped up to help us build the memorial and I’m sure that we’ll have the same support for the new statue.”

The September 11th memorial at Diamond in the Pines Park was unveiled in September of 2011 in honor of the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. It includes tributes to the rescue workers, the veterans of the War on Terror, and those from Brookhaven who lost their lives in the attacks. The new German Shepherd statue will be funded by private donations and is expected to be completed by late August 2012 with the unveiling to occur during a ceremony in commemoration of the eleventh anniversary of 9-11. The Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Fischer-Hewins Post 6249 is seeking donations to help with the cost of the addition to the memorial. For more information, visit www.vfw6249.org.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258