Montclair Honors Memory Of 9/11 Victims On 22nd Anniversary Of Attacks

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The memory of the Montclair residents whose lives were taken in the September 11 attacks hasn’t been forgotten in their hometown.

On Monday, Montclair officials and emergency responders paid their solemn respects to the departed on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.

In Montclair, the victims included:

• Michael L. Collins, 38
• Caleb Arron Dack, 39
• Emeric J. Harvey, 56
• Scott M. Johnson, 26
• Howard L. Kestenbaum, 56
• Robert M. Murach, 45
• David Lee Pruim, 53
• Ron Ruben, 26
• Michael Stewart, 42

“Montclair honors the memory of the victims killed in the horrific attacks on 9/11/2001, including nine of our own Montclair residents,” Mayor Sean Spiller wrote.

“We also honor and pay tribute to the heroic first responders who put their own lives on the line to save others that day,” Spiller added. “The memories of those lost and the gratitude for those who served will never fade.”

The Montclair Firefighters Foundation issued a message of mourning on Monday.

“On the 22nd anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11/01, the Montclair Firefighters Foundation takes time to remember, honor, and mourn the loss of all those who sacrificed their lives,” the organization wrote. “We will never forget the events of that day.”

The Montclair Police Department also took a moment to offer their respects to the deceased:

“As we pause today to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we will never forget those who lost their lives that day 22 years ago. We honor all those fellow responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day to save the lives of others.”

Bob and Christine Russo shared a photo of a monument for the victims and first responders at Watchung Plaza.

Bob Russo, a town councilman who was serving as mayor at the time of the attacks, said a Hawaiian lei is placed there every year by the Collins family, whose relatives fly out from Hawaii for the New York City memorial services.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.