In an annual ceremony marked by emotion, Woodbury Firefighters honored the 343 New York City firemen who died in the terrorist attacks that demolished the World Trade Center 24 years ago. Some 60 spectators joined the Hollow Park public event on Thursday Sept 11th 2025 before a Fire department honor guard, flag bearers from the town’s American legion Post 155, town officials, and educators. Soloist Aubrey Fengler, a Nonnewaug High School senior, sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
Aubrey was accompanied by Brian Murphy, Region 14 superintendent of schools, Mykal Kuslis, Nonnewaug principal and a captain in the state’s Army National Guard, and Nick Ciasullo, high school music director. Barbara Perkinson, Woodbury’s retiring First Selectman, led the three selectmen as each delivered a brief tribute. Woodbury firefighters stood to attention as colleagues tolled a firebell three times in the traditional mournful tribute. They were led by Fire Chief Janet B. Morgan and Fire Chaplain Brandon Dumas who read the Fireman’s Prayer.
In photo 1 Woodbury Firefighters stand to attention at the 9/11 Memorial Event (l-r) Fire Chief Janet B. Morgan, former Chief Elmer Kiessling, Fire Capt. Corey Shaker, just behind is Fire Chaplain Brandon Dumas, Firefighters Chris Start, Hayden Ware, Matt Daly Lehman, Lee Warner, and partially visible Jonathan Kapstein in US Navy uniform. In photo 2, Woodbury Fire officials prepare to tell a firebell in mournful tribute (l-r) Fire Chief Janet B. Morgan, former Chief Elmer Kiessling, and Fire Capt. Corey Shaker
Bud Neal, also a former fire chief and a retired captain in the Army’s elite Green Berets, presented bouquets to two families present at the ceremony out of the six victims from Woodbury. Ray Manzi, a Coast Guard veteran, was flag bearer flanked by Lance Banwell, an Army veteran, and Gary Krofssik, a Navy Veteran. The September 11 ceremony, known simply as 9/11, honors the nearly 3000 dead, including the 343 New York City firefighters, from the 2001 attack Al-Qaeda suicide terrorists hijacked four aircraft. They flew two into the World Trade Center in New York City and a third into the Pentagon in Washington DC. The fourth aircraft crashed in a field as passengers fought the hijackers.
