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9/11

Pasco Sheriff named to Homeland Security advisory role

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Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco has added another leadership responsibility to his plate —an advisory role with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Pasco Sheriff is one of seven new members named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) by acting secretary Chad Wolf. The announcement came from the federal agency last month.

The HSAC is a Department of Homeland Security federal advisory committee that provides the secretary with independent, informed recommendations, and advice on a variety of homeland security issues. It’s comprised of national policy makers, representatives from state, local, and tribal governments, emergency, and first responder communities, academia, and the private sector. The 35-member council is chaired by former CIA and FBI Director Judge William Webster.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco was recently appointed to the Homeland Security Advisory Council. The role provides the acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with independent, informed recommendations, and advice on a variety of homeland security issues. (File)

With the appointment, Nocco becomes the only elected official from Florida to serve on the council.

In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Nocco called the selection “a humbling honor,” that will give the area “a seat at the table” when it comes to providing and receiving input on homeland security-related matters — such as a hurricane, cyberattack, power grid shutdown and so on.

“For the whole Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida, I’m very fortunate to be in this position to help out and have our voices heard,” said Nocco, noting the role goes beyond law enforcement issues. “With Homeland Security, it is a very large and very broad organization. When you dig down into it, you realize, from transportation, to communications, to energy, this is a very large organization.”

Nocco added it’s likewise beneficial to now have a direct line to “the highest levels” of Homeland Security if a crisis arises regionally or statewide. “It’s not like I call the secretary of Homeland Security every night, but at the same time, there is that openness of if I need to get a message across, we’re able to connect through staff to the secretary very quickly,” he said.

In addition to participating in full HSAC committee meetings, Nocco is serving on an HSAC subcommittee that focuses on countering violent extremism groups, particularly in exposure to American youth. Some examples include white supremacy groups, terrorist organizations, cults “or any other ideology that promotes hate and disconnect,” said Nocco.

The subcommittee, meeting roughly every two or three weeks, is “basically going all the way upstream to prevent these kids form getting involved in these groups,” Nocco said.

One way to do that, the sheriff said, is ensuring parents and guardians warn their children about what is on the Internet and on social media. He indicated the issue is more important now, as kids are out of school for the summer and possibly stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, Nocco  acknowledged the recent HSAC appointment ties in well with forthcoming developments at the forensics research and training center project in Land O’ Lakes known as FIRST, Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics.

With that project, the sheriff explained there’s an opportunity for more partnerships with Homeland Security in the way of innovation, technology and instructional programs. “I think it’s just going to strengthen what we’re doing here in Pasco County,” he said.

Nocco has been Pasco Sheriff since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Nocco was elected to the position in 2012 and re-elected in 2016. He just won another term.

Previously, he served with the Philadelphia Public School Police, the Fairfax County Police Department, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, he was a first responder to the attacks of 9/11 and the Washington D.C. sniper incident.

Other HSAC appointed members include James Carafano, vice president of The Heritage Foundation’s Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy; James Fuller, executive vice president of Hill + Knowlton Strategies; Hans Miller, CEO and co-founder of Airside; Cynthia Renaud, chief of police for the city of Santa Monica; Mark Weatherford, founding partner at Aspen Chartered; and Brian White, global security practice head for DBO Partners.

Published June 24, 2020

78 floors up, blind man and guide dog survive 9/11

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Michael Hingson felt a sense of calmness as he walked floor by floor — exiting the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Hingson has been blind since birth and he, with his former guide dog, Roselle, had to work as a team to find their way to safety.

Hingson, the author of “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust,” recently shared his story at Saint Leo University.

Michael Hingson has been blind all his life and is a 9/11 survivor. He shared his life story at Saint Leo University, on Feb. 19. (Mary Rathman)

He was accompanied by his current guide dog, Alamo.

During his talk, Hingson detailed what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, but also shared experiences from throughout his life that gave him the instincts to survive that devastating day.

On 9/11, Hingson said he and his business partner, David Frank, were working for the Artecon corporation on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

As they prepared for an important presentation, Hingson said, “suddenly we heard a muffled explosion, the building shook.

“Then it began to tip. We moved about 20 feet, I think,” he said.

Frank began shouting for everyone to leave the office, imploring Hingson to come along.

Hingson, and his guide dog, Roselle, evacuated with everyone.

Hingson remained calm and tried to assure Frank to do the same.

He said he was able to contain his emotions because he previously had developed a mindset that kicked in automatically.

Before the day of the attacks, he said: “I kept thinking almost every day I went in, ‘What if there’s an emergency today? What do I do?’

So, when he had to suddenly leave the building, he said, “I was prepared.”

As people descended the stairs, Hingson noticed a familiar smell – jet fuel.

He had not yet learned that a commercial airplane had slammed into the North Tower, just floors above his office.

The South Tower had already been hit by a second plane when Hingson and others exited from the North Tower.

Alamo is the guide dog for Michael Hingson, who is blind. The canine tagged along as Hingson shared his life story at Saint Leo University.

He and his business partner were still in the vicinity when the South Tower began collapsing.

“As I started to run, the first thought I had in my brain was: ‘God I can’t believe that you got us out of a building just to have it fall on us.’

“I heard a voice that said, ‘Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Focus on running with Roselle and the rest will take care of its self.’”

With the assistance of his guide dog, Hingson found shelter in a subway station — where he found others who had gone underground to keep safe.

They were escorted out by a police officer and Hingson was later reunited with his wife, Karen.

Hingson told the audience that his ability to navigate through the world — even though he is blind — began when he was just a little boy.

“I was born two months premature and was put in an incubator,” Hingson said, explaining that a pure oxygen environment can cause blindness.

When he was four months old, his aunt noticed he wasn’t reacting to sunlight.

The doctor confirmed the baby was blind and said nothing could be done.

The doctor went on to tell Hingson’s parents that the infant wouldn’t amount to anything and should be placed in a special home.

But, his parents didn’t accept that prediction.

They believed their son could live a productive and successful life.

Their attitude was: “Blindness isn’t going to be the problem,” Hingson said, and that made all of the difference.

Stephen Spelman, left, and Michael Hingson are 9/11 survivors who escaped Ground Zero in New York. As a blind man, Hingson was able to exit the North Tower of the World Trade Center with the help of his dog, Roselle.

When he was 5, the family moved from Chicago to California.

He began to learn braille in kindergarten and his parents got him a braille writing machine.

They also gave him freedom to go outdoors, like his older brother, Ellery.

Even though Hingson was blind, he frequently walked to the candy store, and rode his bike on his own, he recalled.

“It wasn’t even scary for me,” he said. “What it did teach me though, was how to be aware of my surroundings.”

Neighbors, however, would express concern about his safety.

But, Hingson said he didn’t want to be treated differently from other kids.

The issue, Hingson said, is people’s misconception that “eyesight is the only game in town.”

When he was 14, he received his first guide dog – a golden retriever.

He developed an interest for electronics and magnetism, which led to a master’s degree in physics, at the University of California-Irvine.

During his career, he sold machines that could read print to the blind.

He also sold data entry machines to companies, lawyers and banks, too.

He joined The National Federation of the Blind, advocating for civil rights.

And, he married.

While working for the Artecon corporation, Hingson was transferred to New York where he opened up another branch.

That is why he was working in the North Tower of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, when it was struck by a commercial airliner that had been hijacked by terrorists.

The 9/11 terror attack involved a total of four commercial airliners. Two were crashed into the Twin Towers, another was crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth never reached its intended target because it was forced down by its crew and passengers in a field outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks caused a total of 2,977 fatalities.

But, Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, made it out.

Hingson appreciates the teamwork between him and Roselle that led to their survival. He thinks so highly of Roselle, who has since died, that he dedicated his book to the dog.

“When I work with a guide dog, it’s all about creating a team. It’s all about all of us working together to accomplish a task,” said Hingson, who travels across the country, to share his experiences.

While he appreciates the bond that he has shared with his guide dogs, Hingson reminded the crowd that people can experience special bonds, too.

“We each have to show each other how we add value to what the other does,” Hingson said.

Published March 4, 2020

9/11 responder shares his story and a gift

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Stephen Spelman rushed to Ground Zero as a first responder, but quickly found himself trying to outrun the overwhelming cloud of dust as The World Trade Center’s North Tower began to collapse.

Eighteen years later – to the day – Spelman shared the story of the daunting experience he had on Sept. 11, 2001.

Spelman, who now lives in Wesley Chapel, was the featured speaker at a North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon on Sept. 11, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity.

Stephen Spelman, left, his wife Fainery, and 10-year-old son, Mathew, pose for a picture before the start of the 9/11 Memorial dedication ceremony at the Tampa Premium Outlets. Spelman donated a piece of metal from a fire truck that was at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. (Christine Holtzman)

The commemorative event was also an unprecedented moment for him.

“I’ve never spoken on 9/11,” he said. “I never thought my story was significant enough.”

For 24 years, Spelman worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and served the New York City Fire Department’s Battalion 46 in Queens.

In 1995, he became an instructor for the department – training firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and fire marshals.

On Sept. 11, 2001, he was teaching a class when he got word that a plane had crashed into The World Trade Center’s South Tower.

He recalled: “As we were watching it on TV, the second plane hit, and we knew it was definitely a terrorist act. We had to go.”

He grabbed his gear, including a bulletproof vest, and rushed out.

Spelman, another EMT and two paramedics, left their station in Queens and headed to lower Manhattan.

“Coming across the Kosciuszko Bridge from Queens into Brooklyn, we could see the South Tower and the North Tower burning – a very somber moment,” he said.

By the time they reached Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the South Tower had completely collapsed.

Before the tower tumbled down, first responders were heard on radios calling for help, Spelman said.

“It was just pretty horrifying, if you could imagine, knowing that your brothers and your sisters there are the ones being hurt, and they can’t get help,” he said.

Continuing toward Ground Zero, the crew made detours to get around heavy traffic congestion.

When they got there, Spelman and his partner headed toward the North Tower, tending first to those with the most severe medical needs.

Spelman joined other firefighters searching for survivors in debris-covered vehicles.

They had to proceed with caution, as people above were jumping out of the North Tower.

That search was cut short though, Spelman said, when “all of a sudden, we hear the rumble.

“Everything was shaking. I looked up and we heard the thumping – the boom, boom, boom. What we found out later, they were floors stacking on each other. It was surreal.”

The collapse of the North Tower sent those in the area running.

Spelman ran north, while several of his search crew headed east. He survived. They did not.

Later that evening, Spelman, along with 14 other firefighters, formed a search party to find comrades that they knew were missing. That search was cut short, however, because of the ongoing dangers.

As time went on, more of the deceased were found – sometimes only the remnants of firefighter gear.

“It was just unfathomable,” Spelman said. “You could not imagine that this would really [have] been a reality. We lost 343 firefighters, paramedics and a priest – Father Mychal Judge.”

Spelman told the audience that he struggled with survivor’s guilt for years.

He found solace, he said, in reuniting with the same 14 firefighters that he went on the search party with that Sept. 11 evening. All 15, later, got tattoos with the engraving: “The Band of Brothers.”

Even on that horrific day, Spelman said he witnessed the goodness of humanity.

“I’ve seen some heroic things there that were unbelievable by everybody – civilians alike,” he stated. “It was amazing to see all the civilians running back to help us. We were all a family that day.”

As a result of 9/11, Spelman said he had to endure health issues, including a pre-cancerous condition.

He commended comedian Jon Stewart’s advocacy for 9/11 responders to continue receiving coverage.

Legislation passed this summer, grants extended coverage to responders who became ill as a result of Sept. 11, 2001.

Spelman said he struggled to process the trauma of that day.

He said he finally decided that doing something positive for others was the only way he could.

Recently, he donated a gift that became part of Pasco County’s first permanent 9/11 memorial, that was unveiled on Sept. 7 at Tampa Premium Outlets in Wesley Chapel.

His gift was a fragment of Ladder 18, taken from a fire engine that was at Ground Zero.

Spelman said the piece is now displayed on a wall, which is situated near gum ball and soda machines.

It’s a convenient location, he said, for younger generations to view it, ask what it represents and gain a better understanding of the nation’s history.

Published September 18, 2019

Remembering the fallen of 9/11

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Danny Burgess, the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, speaks to a large crowd gathered for the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park. In his moving speech, Burgess said that 9/11 mobilized a generation to stand up and make a difference. (Christine Holtzman)

The morning of Sept. 11 was marked by a 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The service featured remarks from members of U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1124, which bears the name of Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin, a first responder who perished in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield, and Danny Burgess, who serves as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, offered remarks.

The Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presented and retired the colors, and the VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performed a rifle salute to honor those who perished on 9/11.

Published September 18, 2019

Under the direction of Senior Army Instructor 1st Sgt. Jimmy McAuley, the Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presents the colors as Rod Rehrig (by podium), salutes. Rehrig is the past commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1124.
The VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performs a rifle salute to the fallen during the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park on the morning of Sept. 11.

Zephyrhills to remember fallen of 9/11

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As commemoration ceremonies take place across America to honor the victims of Sept. 11, Zephyrhills, too, will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

The public event will begin at 11 a.m., and is expected to last an hour.

Zephyr Park will host this year’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. (File)

Marine Corps League Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment 1124 will host the event.

The league is named after a fallen first responder at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rodney Rehrig, of the club, will be the master of ceremonies – conducting the memorial service.

The Zephyrhills High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) will display flags as they post the colors.

And, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Honor Guard will perform the ceremony’s rifle salute.

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield and Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs will offer remarks during the commemoration.

Spectators will be able to play a role by saluting the flags, singing the American national anthem, and mingling with those who have served the nation.

The event will be at Zephyr Park at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For additional information, call Rodney Rehrig at (813) 481-0718, or email him at .

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Details: The Star Spangled Banner will be sung and various organizations will perform ceremonial salutes to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield and Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, will be the day’s guest speakers.
Info: Contact Rodney Rehrig at (813) 481-0718 or .

Published September 04, 2019

Honoring the anniversary of September 11

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Flag-wavers held their flags high, as drivers passing by on U.S. 41 honked their horns in support.

The red, white and blue draped with stars has always symbolized America, but on this particular Tuesday, it held a much more significant meaning. It was 17 years to the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Local members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and other members of the community, stood outside the Old Lutz School, flags in hand, to commemorate the lives lost that horrific day.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, among others, came out front of the Old Lutz School to hold American flags high in remembrance of 9/11. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

They, like others in the country, paused to reflect and show gratitude to heroes past, and those still present.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the way of life in America.

On that morning, 19 men hijacked four U.S. commercial airplanes, crashing them into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, according to national reports.

The aftermath left many with long-term effects, both physical and emotional.

“In 2002, we started this because we wanted to remember,” said Pat Serio, coordinator of the event. “We wanted to share our patriotism and support.”

Serio, like others, knows exactly where she was when she first heard of the attacks.

She was at home watching the news when regular broadcasting was interrupted by the flowing smoke from the World Trade Center.

Her initial reaction was: ““It has to be an aviation problem,” she recalled.

Not long after, Serio came to find out that the country was under attack.

“As a (native) New Yorker, I felt the impact,” Serio added.

Dee Knerr, who also took part in the flag-waving tribute, said she was scheduled to fly back to Florida on Sept.11, after visiting family in Ohio.

“I was scheduled to fly home that afternoon, getting ready to go to the airport,” said Knerr. “Of course, all the flights were cancelled.”

After working 40 years at the Lutz Post Office, Knerr is now retired and dedicates her time to the woman’s club.

Besides remembering the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, the tribute was also intended to honor American troops, law enforcement and firefighters.

“They put their lives out there every day for us,” said Knerr. “I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

Ben Nevel, a member of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, also took part in the tribute.

“We all need to stand together,” said Nevel, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Another member of the crowd was Linda Mitchell, a Lutz native and retired teacher.

She recalled being conflicted, as the news broke about the terrorist attacks.

She decided not to show the news coverage in her class.

“It was hard being a teacher during that day,” she said. “We wanted to know as citizens what was going on, but we were protecting our students.”

Before retirement, she had the opportunity to teach children who were born after 9/11.

She said there was a stark contrast between how students who lived during the incident perceived it, and those who came after.

The memorial also came as something personal for Mitchell, as both her husband and son serve as Hillsborough County firefighters.

In waving their flags, the men and women gathered in front of the Old Lutz School were reminding those passing by about the need to remember the fallen, and to express gratitude for the men and women who continue to put themselves in harm’s way, whether they are wearing military uniforms, or serving as first responders.

Published September 19, 2018