Honoring Our Heroes

State Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset) has announced Senate passage of S.3764 which would give active status in the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department to Glenn J. Winuk who was killed in action on September 11, 2001.

"Very often when we speak of 9/11 now, it has to do with honoring the memory of the horrendous attacks, however, there are things that still need to be done for the victims and their families of that day. This bill is one of them. I introduced this bill which would grant active status in the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department to Glenn J. Winuk. This legislation ensures that Mr. Winuk is recognized as a hero by New York State. This bill is not just about benefits, it is about hororing a hero who gave his life on one of the darkest days in American History," said Senator Marcellino.

Glenn Winuk died on September 11, 2001 while participating in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Glenn served the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department for over 19 years as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. The day of the attacks he ran from his Manhattan law office to Ground Zero, explained his experience and expertise and was outfitted with a mask, gloves and a medical bag and bravely went to work to help victims in the South Tower. Glenn was killed with the South Tower fell. His remains were found six months later, medical bag at his side, and his protective gear still on his hands and face.

"Glenn was an accomplished attorney, but his lifelong passion was being a firefighter and EMT," said his brother, Jay S. Winuk. "Whenever danger surfaced, Glenn was readily on the scene, and he had the training and smarts to make a real difference on countless occasions. Glenn’s qualifications and the true valor he demonstrated on September 11 deserve official recognition, and our family is grateful to Senator Marcellino and his colleagues in the Legislature for actively stepping forward to ensure Glenn’s proper place among those many brave rescuers who gave all in the face of monumental danger and loss."

"At the time of his death, he was an associate member of the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department and not an active member. Unfortunately, without active duty status, Glenn cannot be properly recognized for his commitment, sacrifice and bravery. The Chief of the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department, the National EMS service, the Twin Towers Fund and the New York City Fire Commissioner all consider Glenn to have been lost in the line of duty, this bill ensures this status for Glenn," concluded Senator Marcellino.