In Remembrance
September 11, 2025
Riverhead and Central Islip, Long Island
The Suffolk County Courts held dual ceremonies honoring the heroes and victims of 9/11. Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca presided over commemorative events at the Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex in Riverhead and later at the John. P. Cohalan, Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip.
Marked by heartfelt remarks from members of the local court community and legal profession, the ceremonies also featured spirited bagpipe performances. Keynote speaker Detective Edwin Hugh shared his chilling story as a first responder on Sept. 11, 2001, while serving with the NYPD’s elite Manhattan North Task Force. Other presenters included Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon.
Special tribute was paid to the three New York State Court Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving others in the wake of the attacks: Captain William Harry Thompson and Sergeants Thomas Jurgens and Mitchel Wallace. “They are true heroes who embodied all the best qualities of our fantastic court officers,” said Judge Crecca, who underscored the importance of continuing to share the stories of the 9/11 victims and remembering the courage displayed by the many civilians and first responders.
Ever Upward
September 6, 2025
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Utica, New York
Port Authority Police Department Officer Will Jimeno addressed the participants. One of only 20 survivors pulled from the World Trade Center rubble, he, along with PAPD Sgt. John McLoughlin, were rescued 13 hours after being trapped. Their story was the basis for the movie “World Trade Center” starring Nicholas Cage and Michael Pena.
Ten UCS Court Officers took part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Utica, New York on Saturday, September 6. They included the Fifth Judicial District’s Sgt. Joshua Hardesty, Court Officers Justin Grower, Michael DeLong, Jake Slachiak, Michael Heller, Jeffrey Tarbania, and Court Officer Trainees Brittney Gallupo, Jolyn Dingman, and Rebecca Dingman (Jolyn’s mom); and the Eighth Judicial District’s Court Officer Stephanie Evaniak, with the UCS awarded for having the largest law enforcement participation in this annual commemoration for the second consecutive year.
The UCS will be receiving a plaque in the coming weeks, to be displayed at the Oneida County Courthouse in Utica, in recognition of the 10 upstate Court Officers who, along with Court Officer DeLong’s wife (of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office), participated this year in the Utica, New York 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
In Memory of Heroes
September 11, 2025
111 Centre Street Courthouse, Lower Manhattan
UCS judicial leaders joined judges, non-judicial personnel—including countless members of the court system’s uniformed officer corps—family members, and others at a solemn gathering at 111 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan marking the 24-year anniversary of 9/11.
First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for New York City Courts Adam Silvera, and New York County Supreme Court-Criminal Term Administrative Judge Ellen Biben were among the distinguished speakers to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy, honoring the memory of the three heroic UCS officers who lost their lives that day saving others: Captain William Harry Thompson and Sergeants Thomas Jurgens and Mitchel Wallace. All 9/11 first responders, which include a large contingent of UCS uniformed officers, were acknowledged for their courage, compassion, and presence of mind in the wake of the attacks.
New York County Supreme Court-Criminal Term Chief Clerk Christopher DiSanto welcomed the many attendees to the Lower Manhattan ceremony. Captain Javier Agosto delivered the Pledge of Allegiance, Court Officer Jalessa Copeland sang the National Anthem, and the New York State Courts Pipes and Drums performed a musical salute.
The decades may come and go, but we will never forget the UCS and other heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice that fateful day.
