WBVFD Members Reflect and Remember 9/11

As the world mourns and remembers the 2,819 people who died on September 11, 2001 so do the members of the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Many of the firefighters are in the same place, doing the same thing that they were 10 years ago.  

Chief Howlin of the WBVFD said that like all county fire departments he had a full house that day ten years ago.

“Immediately members responded to the station. For days we had members sleeping on the sofas and chairs. They were ready to do whatever was asked of them.” 

He went onto explain that even now, ten years later, some people join the fire department because of the 9/11 tragedies.

“Right after the event we had an influx of people joining the department. They wanted to contribute, or it was something they had always wanted to do and this helped them choose. Even over the past few years I occasionally hear of members joining for the same reason. Maybe they were only in middle school then but the heroism stuck with them and now they can join,” said Howlin. 

Candy Hilgenburgh was one of the members that responded to the station that day but she waited until her students at South River High School were home safely.

“That day was scary for my students. Many of their parents worked in the Pentagon and DC area. I worked with them to calm them down and help them make contact with their families. They, like all of us, were upset.” She added, “When I got to the station later in the afternoon the thing that I remember being most amazed about was that every unit, in every station, was fully staffed. It speaks volumes that so many members stepped up despite their own fears. So many people became heroes on that day not just in the fire department. Everyone of them, from police to pilots to citizens.” 

Despite worrying about her mother working in Washington D.C. WBVFD member Wendy Giuliano wanted to go to the firehouse. However, her employer would not let her leave work.

“It was hard to be at work. My stepdad was a member of the WBVFD, my father and grandfather were also fire fighters. It runs in the family; I always knew this was what I was going to do,” said Guiliano.  She added “Now today, I feel as a country we are stronger than before. We are here but Osama is not.” 

This past Sunday members of the department were once again at the station for the day, but this time it was to honor all the victims of that day including the 343 firefighters who lost their lives. Howlin said “In the past we have lit luminaries and held a small memorial service for our members. For the 10-year anniversary we invited the community to join us. It was a beautiful service. It was wonderful to have the community with us and for Riva Trace Baptist church to help us.” 

Due to late day thunderstorms the service was moved inside the engine bays but they were able to get the luminaries out. Hilgenburgh spoke of the event

“We had about 20 plus members and about 15 or so people from the community. Pastor Dennis from Riva Trace Baptist Church came and spoke. Several of our members read a scripture or a prayer. We also played some songs by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums (New York).” She added, “We had cake and goodies afterwards. All in all it was very nice, I am very glad we were able to do it and I think it meant a lot to everyone who came out.”