Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco hosted a remembrance ceremony for victims of September 11, 2001 early Wednesday at the Nutley Public Safety building.  

Residents joined Township officials, victim’s families, friends and clergy in remembering those who perished that day. Among those lost were three Nutley residents, Lt. Robert Cirri, Frank LaLama, and Dorota Kopiscko.

Following the invocation by Father Thomas D. Nicastro, V.F., M.Div., pastor of Saint Mary’s Parish, Commissioner Petracco addressed the attendees. 

“This day is always heartbreaking. I've been in office for 16 years now and each year the sadness continues,” Petracco said.  “In 2018, I lost my mom on September 10th. That day made me realize that you don't really understand what people who have lost loved ones go through until you lose somebody close to you. I was fortunate in a way because I got the chance to say goodbye to my mom. But all the people that were murdered on September 11th never got a chance to do that. And that’s a tragedy.

“I hope we never see anything like that again. We have to have faith. My mom's favorite saying was, ‘Where there's life, there's hope.’ And you know where our hope is? It's right here with all of these kids (the Nutley High School Choir). This is the future of Nutley and our country.”

The Choir performed “World O World” leading to the reading of the September 11th victims’ names followed by the ringing of the fire bell, a moment of silence and a closing prayer.

“I'd like to thank everyone for making the effort to come out again,” Commissioner Petracco concluded. “It seems like our 9/11 ceremonies are shrinking every year and that saddens me. I know I'll never forget, and I know everybody in this room will never forget. Let’s make sure everyone never forgets. Please support our troops, support our police department and fire departments and EMTs. They may save your life someday. Thank you all.”