Silverton Firefighters Greet 9/11 Paddlers on Trek From Maryland to NYC

A relay of paddlers part of a memorial to Sept. 11 firefighters were met by fire boat yesterday, to show support and camaraderie as they row their way from Maryland to New York City.

Silverton Fire Department Lt. Michael J. Cocco said several members met the kayakers from Fire Paddle 2011 out in the middle of Barnegat Bay near and Silver Bay coves in Toms River.

Fire Paddle 2011 is comprised of a team of firefighters completing a relay charity paddle that began Aug. 3 and is expected to end on Aug. 27 in New York City in time for the opening of the World Police and Fire Games 2011 and 9/11 memorial.

The firefighters began their trek at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, then went down the Potomac River to Washington DC, then up the Intercoastal Waterway.

The firefighters rode through Barnegat Bay, where they were joined by Silverton’s fire boat, Cocco said.

“We went out to say hello,” Cocco said. “They were Australian kayakers, who were part of a relay from DC.”

For more information on Fire Paddle 2011, visit their website.