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A
Day of Reflection
A
Tribute to Lt. Andrew Fredericks
By Paul Schuller and Ted Corporandy
| Across this great
country of ours many firefighters, family and friends, in
one way or another, honor those who perished on that
tragic day in September 2001. We wish to recognize and
thank all who continue to remember our fallen heroes to
ensure we “never forget.” This article is about
a day when many gathered to honor all 343 fallen
firefighters and one in particular who was our personal
friend, lead instructor and fellow author, Lt. Andy
“Nozzles” Fredericks, Squad 18, FDNY. On Thursday, October 2, 2003, Firenuggets.com sponsored the Second Annual Lt. Andy Fredericks Memorial Golf Tournament at Greenhorn Creek Golf Course in Angels Camp, Calif. (located in the Sierra Nevada foothills). It was on this day we would all, once again, memorialize our fallen brother, Andy Fredericks. The weather was perfect, the setting breathtaking! After the 2002 event, we traveled to New York for the Firefighters’ Memorial which was held in Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2002. What a wonderful time to bond with firefighters from all over the world! An additional highlight of our trip was visiting Andy’s final resting place with about twelve of Andy’s friends/H.O.T. instructors. We endured pouring rain, but found peace and comfort being with each other and in listening to some of Andy’s favorite music while raising a beer in his honor. To complete the trip, we also had the pleasure of delivering the proceeds from the 2002 tournament to Andy’s family. |
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| The Fredericks family was very moved by the
kind gesture. When we received a thank-you card, we were
pleasantly surprised to hear that Andy’s son Andrew
wanted to attend the next tournament. So, guess what?
Once they heard about the 2003 Tournament, the Fredericks
let us know they would all be here! Andrew’s only
request was that he be given the opportunity to hit the
“first ball.” As this year’s event was being planned, several firefighters from Denver were among the first to secure a tee-off time. By the time this day arrived, we had doubled the size of last year’s tournament, with thirty-eight golfers and seventy-five attending dinner. As the 2003 tournament began, a moment of silence was observed. Then, with Mom and sister Hayley nervously watching, Andrew connected with the first ball, driving it 150 yards! Boy, was he smiling; and mom was relieved too! As we were checking in, the starter said to us, “You all will be starting from the white tee.” No firefighter asked “why” for a change; we just did what we were told and set up at the white tees! |
Andrew Fredericks drives "First Ball" 150 yards! |
Yard marker at first tee |
Now, picture this: there are white tees, red
tees, blue tees, and yellow tees. And, as you may be
aware, each tee location is indicated with a yard marker
(distance from tee to hole). One foursome after another teed off while others waited for their group to be called. All of a sudden, a brother looked down at the white-tee yard marker and almost fainted. The yard marker read 343 — the very number of the fallen firefighters on 9/11! What are the odds of this? The golf management was somewhat clueless to begin with, but quickly understood the significance of what had occurred. After regaining composure, we all realized this was meant to be, and as Michelle Fredericks said, “They are all here with us today.” Needless to say, a few tears were shed and hugs exchanged. |
| Throughout the evening, various individuals
shared memories of Andy; and the Fredericks family was
presented with two priceless treasures. The photo of Andy’s
Bunker Gear captured during FDIC West in May 2001 (now
also displayed at Squad 18’s quarters), and a
beautifully framed poem, written and read
for this occasion by Captain Mike Veseling of the
Naperville, Illinois, Fire Department. Nearly $4,500 was raised this year. All proceeds will be applied towards the creation of a monument/sculpture of Andy, to be erected at the New York State Fire Academy. Andy was a devoted instructor who truly impacted many at this facility. We are grateful to the academy for their willingness to have a sculpture of Andy placed there for all to honor for many years to come. We know more funds will be needed and, therefore, will continue to raise money until this project is complete. |
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Tribute table for Lt. Andy Fredericks |
Group photo following dinner and tribute |
For those of you who knew Andy, you realize the gift that was bestowed upon you. For those who never had the pleasure of meeting or hearing of Andy’s work, know this: Andy was a nationally recognized and gifted instructor and author who made a tremendous impact in the fire service. As Andy’s dear friend Mark Wesseldine, FDNY (ret.), said, “Andy did not preach New York City, he preached what worked.” There is no doubt that through his teaching, Andy saved many firefighter and civilian lives and continues to do so. Andy has countless disciples, a number of whom continue to carry his message forward. Most importantly, Andy was a kind and humorous man, a friend to many, and a devoted husband and father who is deeply missed by all. God bless you, dear friend. We miss you! Paul and Ted Paul Schuller and Ted Corporandy are the founders of Firenuggets.com and firefighters in San Jose, Calif., and San Francisco, Calif., respectively. |
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