On May 12, 2007, firefighters, family and friends from all over the country gathered at the Rockland County Fire Training Center (New York) to honor Rockland County’s members of FDNY and NYPD who made the supreme sacrifice while rescuing civilians at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. It was also the occasion to dedicate the long awaited bronze statue of Lt. Andy Fredericks, FDNY.

Our friendship with Andy grew from our mutual involvement with the Fire Department Instructors Conference-Sacramento and the FDIC Advisory Committee. As a result of that friendship, Andy began writing for FireNuggets and was a major contributor to the bi-monthly articles.

Upon Andy’s tragic death, we, along with many, felt helpless. However, in a very short time our calling became clear, to dedicate our web site to Andy and start an annual Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of our brilliant author, firefighter, and friend. The golf tournament has grown every year with only forty attending the first event. Today we host about two hundred people representing fire departments from all over the country. Initial proceeds of the tournaments have gone to the creation and dedication of the statue. All future proceeds will go to provide scholarships in Andy’s name for students attending fire programs.

Because Andy was very dedicated to the Rockland County Fire Training Center and contributed to the success of many, brother Mark Wesseldine, FDNY (retired), recommended the statue be placed there. The generosity, support and efforts of many have made this statue possible; and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Additionally, we thank our sculptor, firefighter Joe Cipri of the Denver Fire Department, for his beautiful creation and making this idea become a reality.

We thank the Rockland County Fire Training Center and the Rockland County Fire Instructors Association for providing a home for Andy’s statue and for their contribution and effort in preparing the memorial site, organizing the unforgettable event and honoring all of our fallen brothers acknowledged below.

Rockland’s Heroes
9-11-01
Never Forget