Thursday, March 28, 2024

Rescuers get warm welcome from U

October 15, 2001
Don Wummel of the Grand Blanc Fire Department wipes tears from his eyes Saturday during the football game at Spartan Stadium. A short ceremony honoring the New York search and rescue teams took place on the field before the game. —

Several hugs were shared with New York City rescue workers among thousands of U.S. paper flags that consumed the stands of Spartan Stadium on Saturday.

Rescue workers from New York’s fire and police departments were honored guests at MSU’s Homecoming parade and football game this past weekend and were the recipients of more than $100,000 in donations.

At the football game against Iowa, marketing junior Ted Edginton watched as the New York firefighters and police officers left their seats by the side of the field and went up into the stands to give students hugs.

“Students reacted so positively to the visiting New York City rescue workers,” he said.

“It was very satisfying and nice to see them appear at a campus game.”

Child development freshman Elise Karns was surprised the rescue workers came to MSU, but thought it was nice.

“It was just a really good atmosphere because everyone was supporting everyone,” she said.

The Spartan Marching Band and about 400 area firefighters and police officers admired the rescue workers, who have been searching for survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, during a special pregame presentation.

About 40 local firefighters and police officers stretched a huge flag out onto the field.

East Lansing Deputy Fire Chief Scot Wyman watched the pregame show from his first-aid post.

“I’m glad to see that the New York City rescue workers came here and that the fellow firefighters around this area helped out with the pregame show,” he said.

East Lansing police Officer Stephanie Dietz, one of the many local police officers to walk in the parade with the rescue workers, thought it was a great opportunity for the citizens of East Lansing to show their appreciation toward them.

“It’s great they had this time to express that our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as the citizens of New York City,” she said.

MSU Trustee David Porteous was recognized by other board members as the person who thought MSU should honor the rescue workers.

He said the tremendous leadership and sacrifices of the firefighters and police officers were highlighted in New York and it seemed appropriate MSU should follow that up.

MSU Trustee Dorothy Gonzales also thought the event was appropriate.

“It was a way to say thank you and a remembrance to those individuals that were lost in the tragedy at the World Trade Center,” she said. “I am so glad that they were willing to come to Michigan State so we could honor them.”

State News staff writer Eric Morath contributed to this report.

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