Changed by 9/11: Steve Smaldon, Firefighter, NYPD Canine Officer

Former Lindenhurst Fire Department Chief and retired NYPD Canine Officer Steve Smaldon responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 with his search and rescue dog .

For the first few weeks Smaldon and Hansen, along with many other first responders, searched Ground Zero for survivors. Soon after the mission changed from rescue to recovery, and Smaldon and Hansen worked for the next several months recovering remains, giving families some closure.

A few years later Hansen passed away, but not before serving with Smaldon during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Smaldon, now with Apollo, currently volunteers for the Suffolk County Urban Search and Rescue Squad.

Smaldon had a statue of Hansen installed in the Lindenhurst Remembers Memorial Garden three years ago to honor all service dogs, especially those from the NYPD that served at Ground Zero.

In the was . On , thanks to donations from many – including John Fulery and Kevin Harney from Stalco Construction Company, Anthony from Long Island Rubbish, Tom from BJ’s Jungle, Nicolock Paving Stones of Long Island, the LFD’s Liberty Hose Company, and the Thursday Men’s League at the Bergen Point Golf Club and others – a new bronze likeness was installed.

Hansen watches over the Memorial Garden and overlooks Irmisch Avenue.

Smaldon oversaw the donations with the blessing of the village and the Lindenhurst Remembers Committee. The remaining money will go toward new security cameras and any garden upgrades or repairs.

The new statue will be at the on the 10th anniversary following the silent procession from Village Square starting at