Wilson Elementary students honor FDNY firefighter

To commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Francis F. Wilson Elementary School honored one of its local heroes for his dedication to the community and his many years of service as a first responder.

New York City firefighter Larry Quinn was recognized by students, teachers, school administrators and village officials during the annual 9/11 Spirit Day ceremony this past week.

“We’re here to honor a Wilson dad who has dedicated his life to serving the Rockville Centre community and the New York City Fire Department,” Wilson Principal James Duffy said.

Quinn, who grew up in Rockville Centre, attended Floyd B. Watson Elementary and graduated from South Side High School in 1995. Six years later, he joined the Rockville Centre Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the events that unfolded on that fateful September morning, he would officially join the ranks of “New York’s Bravest” in 2002. Quinn said the occupation has been a family tradition for the past three or four generations. Both his father and his grandfather before him were firefighters for decades.

“My great-grandfather died in the line of duty,” he said. “I’m proud. It’s my turn. The torch was passed down to me and I try to make them proud every day.”

Today, he proudly serves as the captain of FDNY’s elite Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn. When off duty, he enjoys spending time at the beach with his family, volunteering at his son’s school, and coaching the Rockville Centre Soccer Club Under-9 boys’ soccer team.

Quinn said he was surprised to find out about the recognition. “I just learned about it three minutes ago,” he said. “I guess my wife, my kids and friends I grew up with kept it quiet. I had no clue about this at all.”

Spirit Day was created by Wilson teachers Kara Spinelli and Courtney Schuh to educate students who are too young to have witnessed the events that took place on 9/11 through lessons focused on first responders and the reason why we come together to honor those we lost. Each year, the school continues this tradition by honoring heroes in the community for their bravery and sacrifice.

During the ceremony, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray shared a few heartfelt words about the impact that day had on the community, where 47 residents were killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.

“It was a gorgeous morning, much like it is today,” Murray said. “Many of you are too young too remember, but for my generation, it’s something we will never forget.”

Among the 2,996 who died on September 11, 2001 — 343 were FDNY first responders, including all seven members who served Rescue Company 2. In the aftermath, pieces of the company’s “rig” were recovered at the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island. Today, pieces of the vehicle are on display at the New-York Hisotrical Society Museum and Library in Manhattan.

“To our first responders,” Murray said, “Thank you for all that you do.”