GANG MILLS, N.Y. (WENY) -- A 9/11 Honor and Remembrance Ceremony was held in Gang Mills on Wednesday morning. As part of the event, two local first responders were presented with the 10th Annual Tri-County First Responder of the Year Award.
September 11 marks a day of remembrance and honor for all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks committed 23 years ago. It is also a time to acknowledge the heroism of first responders across the nation and even locally.
Family, friends, fellow first responders, and local and state officials gathered at the First Responders Honor Park to recognize Robert J. Richards and Trooper Brandon Salyerds and their efforts in the community.
"When we remember the tragic events of that day when those planes hit the Towers and the Pentagon, we remember our first responders who ran towards danger as others run away from danger," said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, (R) Corning. "That's what our first responders do right here in our region each and every day, across the state, across this nation. It's only fitting that we're here at this First Responders Honor Park to honor the two individuals who are being recognized here today."
Richards and Trooper Salyerds were presented with the First Responder of the Year Awards during the event. They were both able to speak following the exchanged and thanked many other first responders they've worked with throughout their careers as well as their families.
In a prepared statement by Peter K. Bierwiler, the Fire Chief of Forest View Gang Mills Fire Department, he describes the accolade as follows, "The award recognizes exemplary performance by a first responder in protecting and preserving life, limb and property. It can also recognize accomplishments over an extended period of dedicated service."
Together, the two have almost 70 years of combined experience serving in the community.
Richards has worked in a large variety of positions for over 50 years in the local fire department and EMS community. He is well known in the area for being a recruiter, mentor, and trainer to first responders.
Trooper Salyerds has worked for the NYSP for over 17 years. Currently, he works for the Horseheads barracks. Alongside his K9 partner Theo, Salyerds has worked a large number of high profile cases throughout the years.
Additionally, the two were presented with proclamations by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and representatives for Senator Tom O'Mara and Congressman Nick Langworthy.
"Well, it's great," said Trooper Brandon Salyerds of the New York State Police and one of the co-recipients of the award. "There were a lot of kind words said today. I'm a very humble man but it's nice to hear it. I've mentioned it in a few other interviews, there's a lot of negativity towards law enforcement, that's unfortunate. Some of it is warranted but I think a lot of it isn't. There's a lot of good men and women out there that are coming into work and trying to do the best they can to protect the people of the state of New York."
While first responders live to serve every day, some people at the ceremony say the events of 9/11 really bring to light their selfless actions within their communities and beyond. This award is just a small token of appreciation from the people they've served.
"I just love my community," said Robert J. Richards of the Caton Fire Department and the other co-recipient. "I love helping people. I love being around people. Right now, I'm 71 years old and working three part time jobs and one of them is a bus monitor on a school bus so, I gotta love people."
After the ceremony, Palmesano reminded people to thank their local first responders. He also reminds people on this day to never forget.