Sarasota County firefighters recognized during presentation

Sarasota resident Norman Schimmel, a native New Yorker, Tuesday presented to the Sarasota County Fire Department a framed photograph of the wall at the Tribute WTC Museum in New York City that is a memorial to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. The wall faces Ground Zero.

Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta introduced Schimmel and his wife, Patti, during remarks at the regular County Commission meeting. Barbetta also recognized Schimmel’s long-time friend, Barry Becher, who assisted in the preparation of the photo for presentation.

“This county will always remember their heroics in saving lives and their families, who grieve their loss,” Barbetta said of the firefighters who died on 9/11.

County Fire Chief Mike Tobias, who accepted the plaque, said, “It will hang in a place of honor at Station 1 in downtown Sarasota, the big house for Sarasota County. We would like to thank everybody very much for this recognition.”