Port Authority's Pain

Officials release names of those lost at WTC

By Graham Rayman | STAFF WRITER

September 17, 2001

As Port Authority officials released the names of 35 missing police officers and two confirmed deaths, their comrades vowed to continue the search.

"We're looking for everybody, wherever they may be," said Port Authority officer John Piccone, 50, who is with the department's emergency services unit. "This is a very tight-knit group of guys, and we may have lost one-third of one unit alone. But we're still in rescue mode. We're not giving up."

The dead officers were identified as George Howard of Hicksville, and Dominick Pezzulo of the Bronx. Of the missing, six officers are from New York City and five are from Long Island. The remaining 24 are from New Jersey.

"It has affected me, but we're out here working and hoping," said Port Authority officer Charles Barzydolo, who worked until 8 a.m. Tuesday, then went right back to work after the attack. "We haven't had a chance yet to really think about it."

Piccone and fellow officers, dusty and tired from a 12-hour shift, gathered yesterday in a brief vigil with Gov. George Pataki at Reade and Greenwich streets within sight of a seven-story tall mass of debris. Pataki spoke of the motivational lift recovery workers receive from the crowds that have gathered along the West Side Highway.

"When these men leave the site, they are slumped over, and some have tears in their eyes," Pataki said. "But when they see people cheering for them, they feel better."

Piccone said he has been moved by the generous donations of clothing, and the support. "You get to a point where you hit rock bottom, and that's re-energizing," he said.

List of Dead or Missing

The Port Authority has released a list of 37 officers who are either confirmed as dead or unaccounted for in the attack on the World Trade Center, as of yesterday. Two are confirmed dead, and 35 are listed as missing, authorities said.

Confirmed Dead

George Howard, Hicksville

Dominick Pezzulo, Bronx

Unaccounted For

Christopher Amoroso, Staten Island

Maurice Barry, Rutherford, N.J.

Liam Callahan, Rockaway, N.J.

Robert Cirri, Nutley, N.J.

Clinton Davis, Massapequa

Donald Foreman, Staten Island

Gregg Froehner, Chester, N.J.