When terrorists flew hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center’s twin towers on 9/11, 20 North Haven professional and volunteer firefighters were summoned to Manhattan for assistance. All made it back safely, but not until after they spent 24 hours onsite, helping with recovery efforts.

Ten years have passed since. To commemorate both that day and town firefighters’ support, North Haven’s fire department held a ceremony at headquarters on September 11, 2011.

“The day ultimately brought us closer as a people,” said Pasqualle Nuzzolillo, chairman of the North Haven Fire Commission. He read a proclamation on behalf of First Selectman Michael Freda, who was unable to attend the event. Freda’s proclamation charged that the day be a special day of mourning for all those involved.

Reverends and pastors of local churches came to speak alongside other community members. Reverend J.P. Morgan, of Montowese Baptist Church, noted that 9/11 turned a lot of peoples’ worlds upside down.

“Use these days of remembrance to provide tools of peace,” Morgan said. It’s a time to remember and reflect on ones’ ways, he further suggested.

When Roger Neville, Captain of Northeast Company Number 4, was supposed to say a few words, he could not be found. After event organizers spent a few moments trying to find him, it was realized that he was on call for the department. “His duties . . . they don’t end,” said David Marcarelli, Deputy Fire Chief.

Chief of Police Thomas McLoughlin also shared his thoughts. He recognized public safety professionals from North Haven and across the country who volunteered at Ground Zero during and after the attacks.

“We are a unique breed,” McLoughlin stated. “When we perceive danger, we run to it.”

McLoughlin compared the World Trade Center attacks to Pearl Harbor, leading him to compare the patriotism this generation has felt after 9/11 to what the past generations had after the Pearl Harbor assault.

North Haven Professional Firefighters President Anthony DeSimone said that he had wanted to travel to Manhattan on 9/11, but ended up being selected to remain in town, as to better protect his community during a time of high uncertainty about national security. “I am very proud of my firefighter brothers,” DeSimone said, adding that they simply were fulfilling their vocational duty by responding to New York’s burning sky scrapers.

When Fire Chief Vincent Landisio spoke, he mentioned the local Vanacore family, who had lost Edward Vanacore in Manhattan on 9/11. Edward, who was 29 in 2001, left his 94th-floor south tower office after the north tower was struck by an airplane. However, Edward returned to his workspace after security guards in the lobby suggested it was safer up there. “National pain pales in comparison with your personal pain,” Landisio said to the family.

Landisio presented Nuzzolillo with a plaque, on which were names of the 20 local firefighters who risked their lives to serve their nation during the attacks. As Landisio presented the plaque, he stated that he would not read the names. “We don’t do this for recognition,” Landisio stated. “We don’t do this to be patted on our backs.”

He explained that the 20 day-of responders could be easily changed with 20 other names in the department, as any of the firefighters are trained to do their job. It was fate that allowed those chosen to go to the World Trade Centers, he suggested.

“It will be hung in our fire station,” Nuzzolillo said as he accepted the plaque from Landisio.

With some closing prayers by Pastor Jim Detweiler of Hope Christian Church, the ceremony came to an end. Robert and Karen Iovanna, members of the Hope Christian Church sang God Bless America. Speakers reminded the audience to remember those who lost lives on 9/11.

“You have not been forgotten,” McLoughlin said.