Hiller postmaster gives stamp of recognition to special fire police
LUZERNE TWP. – For 30 years Dixie L. Wyatt Bennett’s father was a firefighter. So when the U.S. Postal Service came out with the stamp honoring the heroes of Sept. 11, the Hiller postmaster knew she needed to do something to acknowledge it. Bennett decided to present a copy of the stamp on a plaque to the Fayette County Special Fire Police Association.
“The special fire police are first responders to give safety to the fire departments as they arrive on the scene,” said Lt. Bob Sunny.
The stamp and plaque feature the photo taken by Thomas E. Franklin showing three New York firefighters raising a flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center. The stamps sell for 45 cents each, eight cents more than regular first-class postage, with the extra money going to aid the families of emergency personnel who died or were permanently injured in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“The Postal Service is going to transfer some of the proceeds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” Bennett said.
“This is our way of supporting the families and survivors of the 9-11 disaster,” said fire police President Bob Miller.
Paul Pressy, a sergeant with the fire police, said the organization is encouraging people to purchase the stamps as collectors’ items. The postal service also offers framed stamps and artwork featuring the “Heroes of 2001” photo.
“This means a lot to me because my father was a volunteer fireman. Bob and Bob and Paul and I feel this is a very important stamp,” Bennett said.
Bennett presented the fire police with a “Heroes of 2001” plaque to acknowledge the work they do for the community as well.
“We feel this is an honor for us to receive this and to participate in this project,” Miller said.
The Fayette County Special Fire Police Association is a volunteer organization with members from throughout Fayette County.