Just about every person living in the United States on Sept. 11 felt a duty to help after that day’s terrorist attacks. Whether they were firefighters, Red Cross workers or neighbors who wanted to donate blood or money for the victims’ families, scores of local residents pitched in.
The West New York Police Department did their part as well. On Jan. 4, during roll call at 7:55 a.m., many of the officers received a surprise commendation for the work they did on Sept. 11 from the town of West New York.
“We are so appreciative of how you handled yourselves on that day,” said Director Joseph Pelliccio to the men standing in line in the department offices that morning. “The excellence and professionalism you showed were outstanding.”
Every police officer, emergency medical technician and other police department staffer who was on the roster on Sept. 11 received a commendation. The officers received a red, white and blue bar with the letters WTC written on it. The commendation is to be worn above the officer’s badge in the same position or below an existing unit citation bar.
“We want to salute you for your actions on Sept. 11,” said Commissioner of Public Safety Sal Vega before handing each officer a commendation. “All of America is proud of how every person in the nation responded.”
“Now people look at uniformed personnel in a different way,” continued Vega. “Now they know who the real heroes are.”
Job well done
About one week after the tragedy, Mayor Albio Sires and Vega approached Pelliccio about doing something for the police officers and public safety personnel.
“The members of the West New York police department responded to this dire need rapidly and in a highly professional manner,” said Sires in a letter addressed to Pelliccio which was forwarded to all of the officers. “We are commending all of the members of the West New York Police Department for their tireless and unselfish efforts on Sept. 11 and the days immediately following the tragedy.”
The West New York police department responded to all areas of Hudson County as well as responding to the normal calls for duty that came in that day, including two bomb scares.
The town set up three command posts on Sept. 11; one at police headquarters, one on 56th Street and Boulevard East, and the other at 6050 Boulevard East.
These command posts divided the town into north and south, with 60th Street and above under the leadership of Captain Antillos and below 60th Street under the leadership of Captain John Santa Maria.
Officers were also sent to the New York Waterways ferry terminal in Weehawken to assist the Weehawken police officers with evacuation efforts. Six officers also were sent to work with the Port Authority Police Department. The six officers were responsible for controlling the Lincoln Tunnel.
One not present
Unfortunately, Deputy Chief Thomas O’Donnell, who was head of command on Sept. 11, was not present for the presentation. The presentation happened to be held on O’Donnell’s day off.
O’ Donnell had received Officer of the Month distinction for Sept. 2001 for the leadership role he had on Sept. 11.
But recently, O’Donnell was stripped of the administrative duties that fell under the description for deputy chief. Pelliccio said that this decision was not made based on O’Donnell’s job performance, but rather, he felt that the paperwork would be handled better if it was done directly through his office.
Capt. Mike Caliguiro, who works directly under Pelliccio in administrative services, is now in charge of those duties.