Town & State Officials Commemorate the Life and Legacy of Kings Park Native & FDNY Firefighter James J. Hurson with Street Dedication Ceremony
State and Town Officials joined with members of the Hurson Family, FDNY, Kings Park Boy Scout Troop 75, Greenlawn American Legion Riders, and a sea of community members on Saturday in a ceremonial street dedication and unveiling honoring the life and legacy of retired FDNY Firefighter (Engine 318, Brooklyn, NY) and 9/11 First Responder, James J. Hurson. On Saturday July 9th, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, State Senator Mario Mattera, Councilman Tom Lohmann and Town Clerk Vincent Puleo stood beside Hurson’s family (Wife; Lori, Sons; James & Michael), friends and relatives to formally unveil the street dedication located at Ellen Place in Kings Park.
“We are all gathered here today to celebrate the life, legacy and memory of fallen FDNY and 9/11 First Responder James J. Hurson. They say a Hero dies twice. Once upon his death and again when their name has been forgotten. Between the family and friends here with us, the many wonderful memories shared today, and this dedication… I think it’s safe to say that no one will ever forget the name of James J. Hurson. It’s an honor for me to be here with you to celebrate the life of a fellow Kings Park brother, who stepped up to serve during our Country’s darkest hours.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Senator Mario Mattera presented the family with a NYS Senate Proclamation for Hurson’s dedication to serving the public after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. Remarks and memories were shared by Hurson’s niece Chrissy Senft, followed by a moving speech made by Lt. James Hurson (FDNY Engine 68) prior to the unveiling.
“This is a truly fitting tribute to Firefighter Hurson that will help ensure that his service to our community will never be forgotten. During the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, he was there when our state and our nation needed him and we hope his family knows that his efforts are very appreciated and will always be honored in the Town of Smithtown.” - Senator Mario Mattera
Kings Park native and FDNY Firefighter James J. Hurson (retired) was a member of Engine 318, in Brooklyn, NY. Hurson died on May 22, 2018, due to illnesses related to his service during the massive, months-long recovery mission at the remains of the collapsed World Trade Center buildings. Both of his sons, James (Lieutenant James Hurson FDNY Engine 68) and Michael, have followed in Hurson’s footsteps serving in the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) which is recognized as the busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency in the world. On September 11, 2001 the FDNY lost 343 members at the World Trade Center site and have since lost approximately 253 later dying of illnesses related to working rescue at Ground Zero.