Lt. Keith G. Fairben

Floral Park Dispatch
September 13, 2002 A Community Remembers A Hero Reliance Company Unveils Monument in Lt. Keith Fairben's Name By Carisa Keane With heavy hearts Monday evening, the Floral Park community remembered and honored a fallen brother almost one year after the fateful day he made his last call. Members of Reliance Engine Company #2 unveiled a monument in 1st Lt. Keith Fairben's name Monday evening alongside Keith's parents, Ken and Diane.
Captain David Maickel said he'd never forget the sacrifice Fairben made that day. "There will be a permanent void in our hearts forever," he said. "Keith, we miss you. God speed."
Dozens of residents came out to pay tribute to a local hero said to be embracing someone he was trying to save when he was found. Fire Commissioner Tom Tweedy was in attendance, along with fellow trustees and Mayor Ann Corbett.
Rev. Albert Martin of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church shared the thoughts he had when asked to attend the dedication. "I wish, Kenny and Diane, that we weren't here tonight because us being here means Keith is not," he said, "and the terrible pain we feel is a pain that continues to go on, day by day, as we remember him.
"But I'm also happy we're here. I'm happy that Keith was such a faithful and dedicated servant to the department. For a young man found embracing a person he was trying to save, he is now embraced by God's love." In its traditional manner, the department honored four members who died over the past year, including Fairben, during a breakfast months back, which was followed by a brief ceremony at the firemen's monument (corner of Tulip Avenue and Caroline Place) and a Mass at Our Lady of Victory. The families of the honored firefighters were presented with plaques acknowledging the selfless service of their loved ones.
Father Jim Hayes, honorary chaplain of the New York City Fire Department, was guest speaker at the breakfast. Nassau Legislator Vincent Muscarella, 1st Assistant Chief Robert Kloepfer, Jr. and Mayor Corbett also addressed the gathering. Trustee Kevin Greene served as the master of ceremonies. In addition to working with Reliance Engine Company #2, Fairben also served as a paramedic with New York-Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's Emergency Medical Services in Manhattan. Mayor Corbett recently welcomed Keith's mother as a new member of the Floral Park Fire Department. First Assistant Chief Kloepfer spoke of Fairben's commitment to the Floral Park community, his humor and thoughtfulness, saying, "I'm proud to have worked alongside Keith."

Reliance Fire Co. in Floral Park unveiled a monument in honor of 1st Lt. Keith Fairben, who lost his life last September 11. "Dedicated in memory of our fallen brother 1st Lieutenant Keith Fairben who made the supreme sacrifice 9/11/01" is inscribed on the monument.