Gang Mills (WENY): Tragedy

GANG MILLS (WENY) - For the past 14 years, September 11 is the day we remember a tragedy that struck the world and the people that were there to help.

Friday, local memorial for surrounding counties was opened as a place to honor and remember those who run towards chaos when everyone is running away. As a way to recognized and honor those who put our lives before their own a First Responders Honor Park was built in Gang Mills. "It was 14 years ago today that first responders really got their message out in a way we really don't like to think about," explains Co-Chair for the First Responsers Honor Park Committee, Ernie Danforth.

Those on the park committee, started a tradition to name a tri-county first responder of the year. This year the award went to retired New York State Police Sergeant Michael Case, who worked for the State Police for 32 years. "I really hope that I'm not the first one that received this award that didn't have to die in the line of duty. I'm hoping that in this tri-county area it's survivors who receive the award and that we don't have any deaths," says Sgt. Case.
The Tri-County park is sponsored by Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler Counties and was funded by donations from the community. "We want them to think about the first responders as the people that are there for them when they need it. That they are willing to put their lives on the line to save our lives, our property, whatever," says