County Executive Adam Bello And Assemblymember Harry Bronson Break Ground On 9/11 First Responders' Memorial

September 11th, 2025

New Memorial in Gary Beikirch Memorial Park will honor the sacrifice of our first responders

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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Sheriff Todd Baxter, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, local first responder agencies, and the Veterans Outreach Center today broke ground on the 9/11 First Responders Memorial in Gary Beikirch Memorial Park. Construction on the memorial is expected to be completed for the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it is more important than ever to remember the sacrifices of our first responders," said County Executive Bello. "Today, we come together as a community to honor the lives of the victims, the heroes, and the survivors of the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001 as we break ground on this First Responders Memorial. This memorial will honor the brave men and women who ran straight into danger to help others, standing as a reminder of the sacrifices of our first responders. We are proud to begin construction on this site that will be a marker of our nation's strength and resilience for years to come."

This new memorial will feature tributes to the victims, heroes, and survivors of the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and aboard Flight 93, as well as firefighters, EMTs, and police. It will be located at the corner of Highland Ave and South Ave, north of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Foundation advocated for the memorial, which was also made possible through the efforts of New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson who secured a $350,000 grant from New York State for construction of the memorial.

"Twenty-four years ago today, the world watched in stunned horror as the Twin Towers crumbled before our very eyes, the Pentagon was attacked, and the final plane crashed in Pennsylvania," said Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who chairs the Assembly Labor Committee. "Our heroic first responders put their lives and health on the line in the immediate aftermath of the towers collapsing and in the months and years that followed. I am proud to have secured funding for this memorial and for the partnership with labor and County Executive Adam Bello, so we will not forget, and future generations will have the opportunity to learn and understand 9-11. This memorial will help us remember the souls we lost and their families, giving tribute to the selfless acts of these first responders who faced unfathomable danger and uncertainty. It is my hope this memorial will serve as a place of respite, reflection, and inspiration in their honor."

"This September marks 24 years since the deadly, horrific, and cowardly 9/11 terrorist attacks on America. We come together now to break ground on a memorial to the fallen, the innocent victims, and the brave first responders that put their lives on the line to save others," said Dan Maloney, President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO. "This memorial will stand for decades to allow future generations to mark the tragic event and loss of life on 9/11/01, and to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the first responders that work to keep us all safe from harm. This memorial shall honor the dead and stand as a lasting reminder of the selfless courage of those who choose a lifesaving career as a first responder."

"September 11, 2001, stands as one of the most tragic days in our nation's history," said IBEW Local 86 Business Manager Raymond Ryerse. "The devastating loss of life, both civilian and first responders, was catastrophic. The sacrifices of the United States military during the Global War on Terror extended those losses. Because of those incredible men and women who have lost their lives, IBEW Local 86 is extremely honored and proud to take part in such an important project. It is truly and honor and a privilege to pay reverence to all the souls that were affected by the 9/11 tragedy by helping construct this enormously significant memorial. "

"Teamsters Local 118 is honored to be part of this memorial that will be a timeless tribute to all First Responders, including those who served on September 11, 2001," said President Tim Barbeto of the Teamsters Local 118.

"This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001, and in the days, weeks, and months that followed," said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. "These men and women did not flinch, they stepped forward and took action. This memorial also honors the public service providers who carried out critical Homeland Security and enforcement efforts: protecting our water treatment plants, safeguarding our 9-1-1 Communications Centers, securing transit routes and services, and more. They gave selflessly so that you and I, and our families, could feel safe, rest at night, and live out the American dream. They deserve our deepest respect."

"The best way we can honor those we lost on September 11th is by choosing, every day, to live with courage, compassion, and care for one another," said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. "That commitment is reflected in our support for a new First Responders Memorial here in Rochester-a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made and the strength of our community when we stand together."

"As we mark another year since the events of September 11th, the day remains a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the lives forever changed," Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army Veteran Laura Heltz said. "This year, we are honored to stand with Monroe County as they break ground on a lasting tribute to our local heroes. The new first responders' memorial ensures that the courage and dedication of those who serve our community will have a permanent place of honor."

The Monroe County Parks Department will perform routine upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial.

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