September 11th, 2026
Memorial in Gary Beikirch Memorial Park honors the sacrifice of our first responders
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 dedicated the 9/11 First Responders Memorial in Gary Beikirch Memorial Park.
“25 years after the devastating terror attacks of September 11, 2001, we come together as a community to dedicate the 9/11 First Responders Memorial,” said County Executive Bello. “This memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who ran straight into danger to help others, reminding us all of their sacrifice. We are proud to dedicate this site as a promise that Monroe County will never forget those who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and our freedom.”
The memorial is a tribute to the victims, heroes, and survivors of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 and honors the firefighters, EMTs, and police officers who responded to them. It features structures representing the Twin Towers and a folded American flag. The memorial is located at the corner of Highland Avenue and South Avenue, 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-five 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. 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 to support clean-up and remediation efforts. As a result, many suffer from long-term health complications, with which they live with daily. 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 and workers 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,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson.
"This 9/11 - First Responder Memorial is going to be a place for our community to honor the sacrifice of those that perished while trying to save the lives of total strangers during the horrific terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. It will stand as a reminder that heroism and bravery live on within the ranks of all first responders, and our community is grateful for their selfless devotion to caring for others,” said Dan Maloney, President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO.
“9/11 was one of the most tragic days in the history of our nation. The devastating loss of life, both civilian and first responders, was catastrophic and was extended by the loss of life by our military service members during the war on terror. Because of those incredible men and women who lost their lives, IBEW Local 86 is extremely honored and proud to take part in such an important project,” said IBEW Local 86 Business Manager Raymond Ryerse. “IBEW Local 86 has had a long-standing tradition of employing veterans as they transition back to civilian life, we have also had a long-standing working relationship and most profound respect for members of the IAFF-1099, Locust Club and furthermore all the first responders in the greater Rochester area as well as members of our military both active and veterans. It is truly and honor and a privilege to pay respect to all the souls that were affected by the 9/11 tragedy, by helping construct this extremely important memorial. “
“September 11th changed the way we looked at our country, our communities, and one another. Like so many people, I will never forget where I was or what I was doing when the attacks happened,” said President Tim Barbeto of the Teamsters Local 118. “I’m proud to be part of bringing this memorial to our community. It gives us a place to pause, to remember those who never made it home, and to honor the first responders whose courage and sacrifice changed countless lives. I believe it’s our responsibility to make sure the next generation understands not only what happened that day, but also the courage, compassion, and selflessness that emerged in its aftermath.”
“Thank you to Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello for this memorial ensuring that we will ‘never forget’,” said Rochester Fire Fighters Association President Matt Murphy.
“This first responders’ memorial will stand as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary strength of those who answered the call to serve on that dreadful September 11, and who valiantly put others’ lives before their own,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Although it’s been 25 years, we will never forget. This memorial proves that we, as a community, are committed to honoring the lives we lost and, most importantly, to carrying their memory with us—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
“September 11, 2001 was a terrorist attack on American soil that claimed the lives of innocent people and forever changed our nation,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “A quarter of a century later, the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call still resonates throughout the law enforcement and public safety community. These heroes ran toward unimaginable danger to protect others and save lives. This memorial gives our community a permanent place to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, remember those whose lives were forever changed, and remind future generations of what service and courage truly mean. We will never forget.”
"Twenty-five years have passed since the attacks on September 11, 2001, and for many, the scars still remain," said Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director & U.S. Army veteran Laura Heltz. "For the people who lost friends and family, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all who are forever living with the trauma, this memorial will serve as a way to honor them. This is also an important time to reflect upon the courage of those who served in our armed forces post-9/11, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice during the war that followed. Their bravery will not be forgotten."
The Monroe County Parks Department will perform routine upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial.
