Monday, September 24, 2001

Tugboat crews did their part in helping stranded Islanders

Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001, a day none of us will ever forget, started for many like any other workday, and soon became the worst day in United States history. My daughter and I both work downtown near the World Trade Center and were blessed to escape unscathed physically, more fortunate than many fellow New Yorkers and Staten Islanders.

I began my journey home walking toward the Staten Island Ferry Terminal with a mask on my face and sheer terror in my soul. As I proceeded towards the terminal knowing that the ferries were not running but hoping that they would resume, I noticed a man directing people to tug boats adjacent to the terminal.

There were numerous tugboats lined up taking desperate people to Staten Island, Hoboken and Jersey City. I was lucky enough to get on a tug boat owned by Reinauer Transportation Co., Inc. located at 1983 Richmond Terrace. The men on the boat were both professional and reassuring and refused any offers of money for their kindness.

I will never forget them and truly feel that they were unsung heroes of this horrific tragedy. They risked their own lives to deliver people out of harms way. May [God] bless each and every one of them and may [God] bless and help all our neighbors and fellow Americans through this dark hour. SHARON TOROCCO Great Kills