East Rutherford Firefighters Dedicate Plaque to 9/11 Firefighter Dennis Taormina Jr.

Members of the East Rutherford Fire Department gathered at Station 13 for a private ceremony to honor Firefighter Dennis G. Taormina Jr. with a plaque dedication. a volunteer firefighter from East Rutherford who died in the Sept. attacks on September 11, 2001. 

The ceremony took place one day prior to the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The department stated that the plaque was meant to serve as a lasting tribute to Taormina’s service and to those firefighters who preceded today’s team. 

Taormina, who was 36 and had served with the East Rutherford Fire Department for 18 years. He also served as vice president of finance at Marsh & McLennan and was in the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the attacks. 

Even after relocating to Montville, Taormina had kept serving with the East Rutherford department. A New York Times profile published shortly after his death noted that he stayed involved with the department, frequently visiting the firehouse, assisting with fundraisers and accounting, and responding to calls as required. 

The Bergen County Fire Chiefs Association also lists Taormina among the Bergen County first responders killed on Sept. 11. A county memorial project later honored Taormina along with other Bergen County first responders who lost their lives that day.

The new plaque at Station 13 adds another local memorial to Taormina's name. East Rutherford already has a Firefighters' Memorial Park that honors Taormina and other members who served the borough.