Three True American Heroes

For our October reflection, we continue to remember the events of September 11, 2001. We would like to pay a special tribute to 3 women who sacrificed their lives and became True American Heroes. With our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice, we honor them today.

Captain Kathy Mazza
Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey Police Department
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Captain Kathy Mazza was the first female commander of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. She was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Kathy was attempting to rescue victims trapped in the World Trade Center. As she was leading a group of people down the stairs, the building started to collapse. Kathy shot out glass walls enabling many people to escape.  www.odmp.org

Yamel Merino
Emergency Medical Technician
Metro North Ambulance
End of Watch Tuesday, September 11, 2001

EMT Yamel Merino began her career as an EMS provider in 1998. She was promoted to Field Training Officer in 1999 and, along with her partner Allsande Santiago, was named as the agency’s EMT of the Year in 2000. In 2000, Yamel transferred to the 911 division answering calls in the New York City 911 system. Yamel was a single mother of a young son whom she adored. She loved her job and dreamed of becoming a nurse when she answered the call to serve and the events of September 11^th took her life.  www.911memorial.org

Police Officer Moira Ann Smith
New York City Police Department
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Officer Moira Smith was helping to evacuate people from the World Trade Center’s south tower when it collapsed. Moira left behind her husband Jim, also a police officer and their 2 year old daughter, Patricia. Moira is credited with being the first officer to report the crash of the plane into the north tower. With other officers, Moira raced to the World Trade Center. She went to the underground concourse to help evacuate people and direct them to safety. After the second tower was struck, Moira ran into the south tower lobby and started helping people evacuate that tower. It is estimated that firefighters and police officers were able to evacuate 30,000 people from the twin towers that day and Moira was credited with saving hundreds of lives. She was posthumously awarded NYPD’s Medal of Honor.  www.investors.com