Editor's Note: The following speech was given Tuesday night at the Levittown Fire Department's 9/11 memorial.
On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, I would like to thank everyone for attending Ladder One’s 911 Memorial in memory of Chief Ronald T. Kerwin.
Since 9/11, the years have passed and there have been many new members join the Levittown Fire Department who never had the honor of meeting Ronnie.
His personnel folder reveals that Ron Kerwin applied for membership in the Levittown Fire Department on May 10th, 1985 and had been a member of the Jericho F.D. from 1983 through 1985.
Ronnie was assigned to Ladder Co. #1 and was sworn in by Comm. Peter Fishbein and welcomed by Chief Tom Brennan on July 28, 1985. His occupation was a NYC firefighter.
Ronnie became very active in our department and attended as many calls and trainings as he could. He completed every course the fire academy offered including Firefighter 1, NYS EMT Course, Ropes 1 and 2, Carbon Monoxide Emergencies, Ice Rescue, Department Operations and Fire Command just to state a few. Levittown also benefited from his experience and training with FDNY.
He was elected Lieutenant, Captain of Ladder 1, Deputy Chief and as Chief of Department in 2000 and 2001.
At the same time, he was promoted twice with FDNY first as a Fire Marshal and then to Lieutenant.
He was a dedicated chief who always was concerned about the safety and the welfare of his members and their families.
But what I admired most about Ronnie was his love for Dianne, his children - his family was always first.
On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, I would like to thank everyone for attending Ladder One’s 911 Memorial in memory of Chief Ronald T. Kerwin.
Since 9/11, the years have passed and there have been many new members join the Levittown Fire Department who never had the honor of meeting Ronnie.
His personnel folder reveals that Ron Kerwin applied for membership in the Levittown Fire Department on May 10th, 1985 and had been a member of the Jericho F.D. from 1983 through 1985.
Ronnie was assigned to Ladder Co. #1 and was sworn in by Comm. Peter Fishbein and welcomed by Chief Tom Brennan on July 28, 1985. His occupation was a NYC firefighter.
Ronnie became very active in our department and attended as many calls and trainings as he could. He completed every course the fire academy offered including Firefighter 1, NYS EMT Course, Ropes 1 and 2, Carbon Monoxide Emergencies, Ice Rescue, Department Operations and Fire Command just to state a few. Levittown also benefited from his experience and training with FDNY.
He was elected Lieutenant, Captain of Ladder 1, Deputy Chief and as Chief of Department in 2000 and 2001.
At the same time, he was promoted twice with FDNY first as a Fire Marshal and then to Lieutenant.
He was a dedicated chief who always was concerned about the safety and the welfare of his members and their families.
But what I admired most about Ronnie was his love for Dianne, his children - his family was always first.
On 9/11 of each year, we remember the 343 firefighters who lost their life at the Trade Center. We will never forget the bravery of Lieutenant Ronald T Kerwin. May he rest in peace.
