9/11 20 years later: Richard Nebolini, Glenville – Our brother firefighters | Readers remember

All Americans should never forget.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, which was Primary Day in New York state, myself and five other city of Schenectady firefighters were at attorney Mark Powers’ law office on Union Street. Mr. Powers was a candidate for Family Court judge in Schenectady County.

At 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, we started to place phone calls to prospective voters in Schenectady and asked them to consider a vote for Mark Powers in the primary. At the time, I was the Schenectady County Independence Party chairman; along with other firefighters in the party, we were supporting Mr. Powers on Primary Day.

As we were placing phone calls to voters, we learned the Twin Towers in NYC were under attack and we immediately stopped calling potential voters. We all returned to our homes to watch the television coverage. We were devastated, and knew there would be a grave amount of death to our brother firefighters and many civilians.

Soon, Gov. Pataki canceled Primary Day voting. It was a day I will never forget.

For many weeks following, the firefighters from Schenectady attended numerous FDNY funerals in NYC. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to recall the day.

-Richard Nebolini retired as a captain from the Schenectady Fire Department.

More Remembrances: We remember; The Daily Gazette’s special Sept. 11 anniversary section 

Categories: 9/11 20 Years Later, Life and Arts