Since 2002, the 3256 Foundation has held one of the most unique 9/11/01 remembrance golf outings that is played on Long Island. The members of this charitable organization were related to the late Emergency Services Unit Police Officer Michael S. Curtin. On 9/11/01, he was killed trying to help his fellow police officers and citizens survive the earliest terrorist attack on Lower Manhattan. For over two decades, this golf outing has been one of the most patriotic, as many participants play on a yearly basis at Cherry Creek Golf Course in Riverhead, and they wear the 3256 Golf Outing shirts and hats.
Two months before the 9/11/01 anniversary, these citizens are armed with smiles and patriotism to honor the police and military bravery of Curtin. Twenty-three years ago, it was a beautiful day, as Curtin wanted to finish his workday, and return home to celebrate his wife Helga’s birthday. Instead, it became one of the worst days in American history, as this country was under attack. As terrorist hijackers carried out coordinated attacks on Manhattan, Washington D.C., and Flight 93 over Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the city ordered all rescue workers towards the World Trade Center. Curtin was at a command post in the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. After this building was attacked, civilians tried to exit this building, Curtin refused to vacate his post. He stayed in this deadly situation until all his officers from Truck 2 left this perilous situation. At 10:28 am, the North Tower crashed to the ground, killing Curtin and thirteen other Emergency Services and Bomb Squad officers.
Curtin was in the rubble of the North Tower, but it was not until March 6, 2002, when his remains were found. Out of the ultimate respect for his services to the department and in the United States Marine Corps during the First Gulf War, Curtin’s remains were not moved until his wife Helga and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly were sent to this spot. There was an army of rescue workers who remained silent, and saluted Curtin. As the flag was placed over his body, traffic was halted, and he was driven up the FDR Drive. The police and military continued to salute him, as Curtin was accompanied by his wife. Several years later, President George W. Bush(R), posthumously awarded public safety and rescues officer the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor, who were lost from this terrorism.
As a young man, Curtin grew up playing baseball, was a member of his fire department and worked at the statuary in Rocky Point. In the marines, he was one of the first Americans into Kuwait City during Desert Storm. After the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, Curtin noticed the remains of a marine, and helped tunnel through the debris to recover this military guard that was killed from this domestic terrorism. Always at the helm of leadership to his community, the city, and the nation, Curtin was an American hero who left us too soon. At the 3256 Foundation Golf Outing, his Emergency Services Unit superior Owen McCaffery addressed the history and character of Curtin to a packed crowd of two hundred and sixty-five golfers who were silent when hearing about this local iconic figure. While these golfers were pleased to be on the course during a beautiful day, on a yearly basis, they never lose focus on the patriotic magnitude of Curtin’s efforts to help protect others.
For years the 3256 Foundation has donated funds to aid citizens that are facing hard times, sickness, and patriotic endeavors. At the Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 Suffolk County World War II & Military History Museum, “Curtin’s Corner” was dedicated in the name of Michael through his devoted abilities to fight for this country and to be with his fellow rescue workers during the earliest encounters of 9/11/01. The 3256 Foundation has not only honored the legacy of Curtin but has made the golf function into a family matter. Younger generations of the Curtin, Finnican, and Lukasz families were all present to see the outstanding work and success of this outing, a huge raffle, the happy hour, and a delicious dinner. They represent the future generation of family members that understand the vital need to support worthy causes. As there were many participants who already spoke about the upcoming outing for next July, these people looked forward to being together, to play golf, raise money, and recall the legacy of Curtin. May this country never forget the almost 3,000 people who were lost some twenty-three years ago from the actions of Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda against this nation and may we always show appreciation to the wonderful actions of the 3256 Foundation.