A Genuine Article

Middlesex Boro, New Jersey September 11 Memorial

Photo Credit:  Adam Kenny 

Middlesex Boro, New Jersey, which is where I have lived for (good grief) almost thirty years, suffered a single loss on September 11, 2001. We honor his memory in a beautiful memorial that has been erected in Victor Crowell Park.  Whenever I go for a run in Middlesex, I make sure my route includes the Memorial where I stop momentarily and pay my respects. Officer Thomas E. Gorman, a member of the Emergency Services Unit of the Port Authority New York / New Jersey Police Department, was one of thirty-seven members of his department who died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.  He was among the first members of his department on the scene.  

Tom Gorman was forty-one years young.  He and his wife, Barbara, were the proud parents of three kids, Patrick, Laura, and Bridget.  He loved coaching his kids' baseball and basketball teams.  He loved cooking for his family.  Barbara described him as "a very genuine person."  Is there any higher compliment? 

Perhaps.  At least there is one of equal magnitude.  

In 2014, Patrick Gorman, Tom and Barbara's only son, joined the Port Authority Police Department as an officer.  He wears his father's shield.  He is not simply carrying on his father's legacy.  He has created his own.  

A child can pay his parent no greater compliment. 

-AK