'The Mission Was Made Easier For Us'

New York State troopers and Clarence Center firefighters who responded to the fiery scene of downed Continental Flight 3407 on February 12 have been left not only with indelible impressions of the tragedy, but also feelings of heartfelt gratitude to the people of the small community who them showed kindness and support as they dealt with the tragedy's aftermath.

At a small but emotional ceremony last Thursday, 45 State troopers and 25 Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary members shared memories and expressed their thanks to a crowd of 60 of Clarence Center's residents and city employees, The Buffalo News reported.

Choking back strong emotions, State Police Maj. Christopher L. Cummings read from a note given to him by the families of those lost: " 'The respect you have given to us, our families, and especially the respect and dignity you are giving to our loved ones who were aboard Continental Flight 3407 is valued and appreciated by all of us.'

"If you were to measure how my troopers performed, this is the ultimate gauge," Cummings said, adding that he keeps the note in the left breast pocket of his uniform, next to his heart.

In turn, his thanks went out to the community that had showed support to the men and women whose duty it was to maintain a professional demeanor while performing difficult but important tasks, although shaken by the scope of the tragedy themselves.

"You gave us 12 days of hot meals, coffee and a warm place to go at the fire hall, as well as words of encouragement, and that was a critical component of the operation," Cummings said.

Capt. Steven A. Nigrelli described a sight permanently etched in his memory. "Seeing the tail of the plane sticking up at the back of the property was surreal. As I'd rushed to the scene, the first call was for a small plane, but it was updated to a possible commercial airliner, and then to be standing there thinking of the major loss of life..." Nigrelli said.

Nigrelli described the difficulty of performing necessary duties in the face of tragedy, including briefing family members of those killed before they visited the crash site. "There was utter despair and heartbreak in their eyes," Nigrelli said.

First Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Norris lauded the respondents to the scene for their teamwork and cooperative spirit. "It was a massive fire," Norris said, "and the response was well coordinated."

Town Supervisor Scott Bylewski agreed, and enlisted Town Historian Mark Woodward to record details of how the town came together. "I wanted to capture some of the oral histories before they were lost," Bylewski said.

The ceremony closed with Trooper Jack Moretti, who on behalf of the troopers' union presented plaques to Bylewski and Norris. Because of the kindness and support troopers received in Clarence Center, "the mission was made easier for us," Moretti said.

FMI: www.ccvfc.com, www.troopers.state.ny.us