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NEW YORK — The U.S. Coast Guard officially welcomed a new multi-purpose building onboard Coast Guard Station New York, Friday morning during a dedication ceremony.
The new building honors the memory of fallen 9/11 hero, Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Palazzo, who was killed during rescue operations on Sept. 11, 2001, when he responded to the terrorist attacks in the line of his firefighting duties.
As a native of New York City, Palazzo honorably served his community as a dedicated firefighter assigned to the elite Rescue Five “Blue Thunder” unit of the New York City Fire Department.
"Today, not only do we dedicate a building, but we remember Jeff's sacrifice and the person he was," said Lt. Cmdr. Garrett Meyer, Station New York commanding officer. "He personified the Coast Guard's motto, 'So Others May Live,' every day of his life."
Palazzo enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1988 and spent eight years on active duty. He transferred to the Coast Guard Reserves in 1996 and was assigned to Station Chatham. In 2000, Palazzo then moved to Station New York.
Concluding the ceremony, a large ceremonial red ribbon was cut by Palazzo’s family and members of the Coast Guard and New York City Fire Department, who each held a pair of gold scissors.