| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2003 | |
| Honoree | |
| George G Howard | |
| Agency | |
| Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department | |
| Agency City | |
| New York | |
| Agency State | |
| NY | |
| Last Call | |
| 9/11/01 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Victim of Violence * | |
| Biography | |
| He died a quiet hero; there really is no debate, He saved the lives of others, snatching victory from defeat. Line from a poem written by Sgt. Howard for another of his comrades. It is also a fitting verse for George as well.<br /> <br /> Sgt. Howard was safe at home on his day off when he heard the news of planes hitting the Twin Towers. He knew it would be much worse than the first time terrorists hit, and he knew he would be needed. Rushing there, he jumped a rescue vehicle heading to the burning buildings and arrived before the second Tower fell. When the Tower did fall, it caught the man so eager to help others. "Howard didn't have to go, but he went; that is just the kind of man he was."<br /> <br /> George Gerard Howard, 44, of Hicksville, New York was killed as he entered the South Tower of the World Trade Center, seconds later it came crashing down just as the North Tower had minutes before, catching him inside. Sergeant Howard died on September 11, 2001 in the worst terrorist attack on American soil to date.<br /> <br /> Sergeant Howard was a sixteen-year veteran of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He was a founding member of the Port Authority's elite Emergency Service Unit. He was a twenty-five year veteran of the Hicksville, New York Fire Department and Captain of the Nassau County Fire Service.<br /> <br /> Lt. Kevin Hassell stated, "He gave, and he gave without hesitation." He rappelled down an elevator shaft to rescue more then sixty students and their teacher. For this George received the Medal of Valor but brushed it off. "That's what they pay us for." He had a whole box of medals awarded to him by the City of New York. This man loved his life; he loved living.<br /> <br /> He was a proud member of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department<br /> <br /> Honored 2003 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
