09/06/2026
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Commissioner Stanley Richards presided over the agency’s annual September 11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 4. This year’s commemoration, held across from the Samuel L. Perry Center on , also recognized the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
NYC DOC emergency responders boldly answered the call for help on 9/11 and during its aftermath. Having the specialized training in multiple areas of emergency and crisis response, they did not hesitate to mobilize and respond to Ground Zero during a very catastrophic time in our nation’s history.
On Friday, the Department added the names of three fallen members to its September 11 memorial. To date, our agency has lost 45 9/11 heroes, many who died from cancers caused by the toxic dust and debris exposure at Ground Zero.
Yet, the story of their heroism remains untold in most historical records. This year, The Boldest Family continues efforts to right this wrong and honor our 9/11 responders with heartfelt respect, recognition, gratitude and support.
“A quarter of a century may have passed, but in our hearts, September 11, 2001, can still bring us back to the fear, uncertainty, and hurt we felt that day. Today, we remember. We honor the bravery and heroism displayed on September 11. We remember the heroes who waded across hot debris and through piles of ash, searching for survivors. We remember the staff who restored communications for first responders and brought generators from Rikers Island to provide power and light at Ground Zero. We remember the men and women who led evacuations, transported supplies, and supported our partner agencies when our city needed them most. Their stories are an essential part of the history of September 11,” Commissioner Stanley Richards said. “But they can never capture the fullness of the Department of Correction’s response. The heroism shown that day by rescue workers, drivers and harbor masters; K-9 handlers and machine operators; technicians and telecommunications experts — that heroism did not end when the sun set on September 11. It dawned again on September 12 and September 13 and every morning that followed."
With leadership from 9/11 hero retired Warden Richard Palmer, Friday’s ceremony included reflections from retired Chief of Department Robert N. Davoren, who led the agency’s response during 9/11 and the rescue, relief and recovery efforts. Retired Warden John Scudero, a 9/11 hero who served as the commander of our Special Operations Division (SOD), also shared his recount of the Department’s exemplary bravery.
The Department’s Chaplaincy Unit was also honored for providing prayer, comfort and guidance 25 years ago during a period of immense loss, tragedy and emotions.
Thank you to our special guests New York City Council Member Phil Wong, First Responders Children's Foundation President Jillian Crane, the , and motorcycle organizations, and Suffolk County Sheriff's Office for uniting with our agency in remembering the 9/11 heroism of The Boldest.
This year and every year, we continue our vow as a family to honor their service and support their loved ones.
NYC Mayor's Office
