There are three Honorable mentions for the 9/11 anniversary — one an individual whose sacrifice has been very real and very personal, and two organizations whose many volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly on behalf of all first responders affected by 9/11.
Carole Capparelli-Klein, wife of ESU Officer Glen Klein featured in the September 2011 Living with the Sacrifice column. Carole, a nurse practitioner, donated her kidney to NYPD ESU Officer Joe Wittleder. Police1 thanks her, and those like her, for sacrificing an organ to save another life.
The organization called 9/11 Responders Remembered has created a park and memorial wall to recognize and honor first responders, those in uniform and civilian, who have succumbed to illnesses after exposure to 9/11 debris. Many of these officers are not eligible for honorarium on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall in D.C. 911 Responders Remembered has made sure that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. View their website at: www.respondersremembered.com.
The Feal Good Foundation is making sure no one fighting with 9/11-related illnesses is forgotten and for their relentless efforts in securing benefits for ill first responders and legislation like the Zadroga bill. Read more about the foundation in the recent Police1 column by Glenn French.
Honorable Mentions serves as a way for the Living with the Sacrifice column to relate the inspirational stories I receive through your emails and recognize those who are supporting injured and disabled officers. Email me your stories or nominations for an Honorable Mention in the Living with the Sacrifice column.
Qualifications for an honorable mention include:
1.) Any activity by an officer, department, agency, citizen, or family member that assists injured and disabled officers and/or their families.
2.) An injured (currently or previously) or disabled officer who continues to protect and serve the community or their fellow injured and disabled officers.
