By Stephen Peterson
The Sun Chronicle
NORFOLK, Mass. — It took about two years of persistent effort on behalf of a local firefighter, but the public safety building has a unique memorial to Sept. 11 that was built with a piece of steel from a World Trade Center tower, and with the help of a state prison in town.
Firefighter/EMT John Zajac, who was deeply moved by the dreadful day when terrorists attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001, spearheaded the project.
The memorial actually consists of two pieces in the building’s lobby that are a tribute to those who lost their lives.
The most eye-catching part is a 3-foot-wide, 5-foot high model of the Twin Towers, with a piece of steel believed to have come from Tower One in the center, along with an emblem designed by Zajac that includes the word “Remember” and geographical outlines of the three locations the terrorists hit.
The replica of the towers was fabricated by the inmates and staff of MassCor Industries metal shops at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution Norfolk.
Zajac discussed the project with many people who offered ideas, but prison representatives came up with an idea which seemed the most meaningful way to honor the heroes.
“They made it become a reality quite nicely,” Zajac said.
The tower piece was given to the Norfolk Fire Association by the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey after being requested by Zajac through months of telephone calls and emails.
“There were a lot of hoops to jump through, a lot of paperwork, a lot of waiting,” Zajac said.
The other half of the memorial is a wood and glass display cabinet. Inside the three-shelf, motion-sensor lighted cabinet are the names of more than 300 firefighters who lost their lives and photos of firefighters on Sept. 11 carrying out their courageous duties.
Also included are New York City firefighter and police emblems and a firefighter helmet shield that were donated from those departments, along with a U.S. flag.
Zajac donated a memorial pin and bracelet from a firefighter who died.
The words “World’s Bravest” are on the cabinet.
There is also a binder on the top of the cabinet that includes the names of all the people who perished in the collapsing buildings, as well as a listing of all the businesses that were in both towers.
The cabinet was donated by Hamlin Cabinet of Norfolk, with graphics by Rich Anderson Graphics.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Zajac said.
A draft model of the towers memorial was unveiled last year when a brief ceremony was held.
“That was impressive. This is even more so,” Zajac said.
Zajac “has put a lot of time and effort into the design and creation of the memorial,” Fire Chief Coleman Bushnell said. “His efforts are a lasting memorial for the town to remember those who were lost that day. I’m proud of his devotion to this project.”
Zajac also received input from local firefighters and police officers.
“Everyone involved did a great job. All the folks down at MCI,” Zajac said. “From start to finish, it was a good two years, but well worth it.”
The Port Authority is compiling a book of memorials built with remnants of the towers, and Norfolk’s will be included.
The public is invited to come to the lobby of the public safety building to see the display.
“It would be nice for people to come down and see it,” Zajac said, adding of the donated steel: “To actually be able to touch the piece from that day is a little different.”
Norfolk also has a Peace Sculpture on Town Hill that was refurbished and rededicated last year on the 10 anniversary of Sept. 11.
Copyright 2012 The Sun Chronicle
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