The response from Greater Kenosha was overwhelming. At total of $96,362.66 was raised. On December 10, 2001, the Kenosha Professional Police Association and Kenosha Fire Fighters Local #414 distributed the money.

The following letter was sent with each direct payment to the sixty families:

Dear Family of [Individual Fallen Port Authority or New York Officer]:

On behalf of the Kenosha Professional Police Association, the Kenosha Police Supervisory Officers Association, Kenosha Fire Fighters Local #414, and thousands of people of southeastern Wisconsin, we respectfully present this check to your family.

The amount is insignificant compared to the loss that your family has suffered. However, it represents a tremendous outpouring of support, sympathy, and respect that the citizens of Greater Kenosha feel for the loss of your loved one and the loss of hundreds of other emergency workers who died on September 11^th.

Your family is being provided with an equal share of the money that was collected by our organizations. The money was donated by school children who emptied their piggy banks and senior citizens who held bake sales and sold hand made American flags. Labor unions, businesses, non-profit service clubs, churches, schools, nursing homes, individuals, police officers, and fire fighters from our area all contributed to the larger fund from which this check came. The collection was truly a community effort of everyday Americans from the Midwest who believe that your loved one represented all that is good in our country.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for the sacrifice that your family endures. May you and your loved ones find comfort knowing that people throughout our great nation mourn with you.

Respectfully,

Detective Russell R. Beckman

Treasurer, Kenosha Professional

Police Association

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In the weeks that followed, a number of thank you cards and letters were received from the fallen police officers’ families. Below are a number of these thank you letters that are being shared with all citizens of Greater Kenosha who so generously contributed to this fund raising effort.

If you wish to view photos of the City of New York Police Officers and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officers who perished on September 11th, please click on the following links:

The tragic events of September 11^th required all Americans to rally their strength and join together as one voice. Many individuals and groups contributed their time and financial support to heal the City and help those who lost friends and loved ones. The rapid response of so many people helped to share the tremendous burden of all New Yorkers.

On behalf of the entire New York City Police Department and in particular for the families of our heroes, I wish to express my personal thank you. All of us in the New York City Police Department extend our heartfelt appreciation for your personal commitment and financial support. Your generosity and compassion has made a substantial difference in the lives of our grieving families and you will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Bernard B Kerik

THE POLICE COMMISSIONER CITY OF NEW YORK

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Thank you for your check that was recently received by our family. September 11^th has changed many lives. Our family lost a son, Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen. Kenneth was 31 years old, a dedicated person, described as wonderful, happy, energetic and loving. Kenneth has always loved helping people and at the age of 16 was a member of the First Aid and Fire Department in our town. He was born on the Fourth of July and loved America.

Kenneth was not stationed at the World Trade Center on September 11^th. When he heard the news he left his post commandeered a taxicab and went to the site. He was in the first tower that was hit and evacuated many people. He was then issued an air tank and went into the second tower to help there. As people were running out of the towers, Kenneth kept running back in. Although our family misses him very much, we know he loved being a Police Officer and would do the same thing again if he had the chance.

Your letter was so touching. Children, seniors, police officers, citizens and business coming together to help and offer support have lifted our spirits. We find comfort in knowing that America stands strong, proud and together. May God Bless US and May God Bless America!

Sincerely,

The Family of Officer Kenneth Tietjen

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September 11^th 2001 is a date very few of us ever will ever forget. Never has so many concerned and generous people found the need to minister to those who lost so much.

We wish to thank you and the members of the Kenosha Professional Police Association, The Kenosha Police Supervisory Officers Association, Kenosha Fire Fighters Local #414 and the many people of southeastern Wisconsin for your generosity as well as your kind words of condolence. Our hearts are still very heavy and we continue to mourn or hero HERO Police Officer Paul Lasczynski. We miss him, but we are uplifted when we realize our grief and concerns are shared by so many.

God Bless all of you wonderful, caring people of Greater Kenosha. God Bless your generosity. God Bless America!

Sincerely,

Karen, Amy & Jennifer Lasczynski

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I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Kenosha Professional Police Association for their financial help to my sons and I during the World Trade Center tragedy. While reading the letter that accompanied the check, I was choked up knowing that there are so many people across the nation who really care about the sacrifice which my husband and so many other uniformed personnel gave on September 11^th .

My husband and hero, Maurice Barry, a Port Authority Police Officer, lost his life in the act of rescue on that fateful day. My sons and I will never forget the kindness and generosity of people and organizations such as yours to lend a helping to families such as ours in this great time of need.

Again, thank you for all of your help and God bless all of the school children, senior citizens and others from Kenosha who made this donation possible.

Sincerely,

Marianne Barry

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It’s easy to say thank you, but it’s harder to convey the deep, heartfelt gratitude, my family has for everything you’ve done. Your thoughtfulness means more than words will ever show.

Thank you again, from the family of Port Authority Officer, Richard Rodriguez.

Mrs. Cindy Rodriguez

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Thank you so much for your kindness to our family in collecting & distributing money. My husband was 39 years old and we have six children. It really means the world to us that you care so much!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Eileen Cirri

Widow – Lt Robert Cirri

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Many thanks to the Police & Fire Departments & all of the people of Kenosha for your gift, to the family of my brother James F. Lynch, Port Authority Police Officer. Our family misses him terribly, but acts of kindness from people we have never met means a lot to all of us. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Lynch

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The children & I would like to thank you for your kindness during this difficult time. Although September 11^th has changed our lives forever, we have been

Comforted by the generosity of people like you. Once again, thank you for your generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Mary Froehner

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My family & I greatly appreciate your kindness & thoughtfulness. With many thanks from my entire family.

With gratitude and sincere appreciation.

Jennifer Levi

Daughter of Port Authority Police Officer J.D. Levi #756

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To the Citizens of Greater Kenosha, Thank you! My family, & I will treasure your thoughtfulness and generosity forever. As we continue to remember my son, Sgt. Rodney C. Gillis, our family prays that you’ll continue to be blessed in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Family of Sgt. Rodney C. Gillis

Geraldine & Family

I just wanted to let you know how touched I was by your letter and accompanying check. The fact that the check was from so many different individuals contributing on so many levels means a great deal to me. Knowing that people care in Wisconsin gives me comfort in New Jersey. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Nancy Neidermeyer

Thank you for the generous donation in memory of my husband Anthony. The pain of the tragedy of September 11^th has been lessened by the beautiful letters of support and concern from citizens throughout the country. We have been continually reminded that even in times of such evil and sorrow, goodness will prevail.

Sincerely,

Joyce Infante

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Your generous contribution to the Navas family and to the Joseph Michael Navas Memorial Fund is deeply appreciated.

The Family of Joseph Michael Navas

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Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a floral spray, if so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part.

The Driscoll Family

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The untimely death of Dan was difficult to comprehend & accept. Special people such as yourself touched our lives with your thoughts, prayers and other expressions of sympathy. Your kindness provided much needed comfort and will always be remembered.

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Family of Claude "Dan" Richards

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Please accept our sincere thanks for the check you sent in my son Glen’s name. He was a wonderful son & a happy police officer; he loved his job and did it well. Glen was on the video [photographic/identification] unit for the N.Y.P.D. & loved the adventure that came with it. Our family set up a scholarship in our local school & now your wonderful contribution will be part of it. Please keep Glen’s picture hanging & know that his family appreciates all you have done for us.

Love & Peace,

Glen’s Mom

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Acknowledging with grateful appreciation your very kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy. Your generous support is greatly appreciated. God Bless You!

Sincerely,

Barbara Talty

Paul Talty Family

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Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generous gift. It is such a help to receive sincere expressions of sympathy and to know we have support from wonderful people like you.

Sincerest Regards to all who Contributed,

Kate Huczko and Children

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Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. The support from brothers in blue is truly amazing. You’ve helped more than you know. Stay safe.

Love,

Patty Coughlin and Family

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You are a wonderful, caring group of people. What a beautiful tribute to my husband and our father. We are truly touched by your expression of kindness during this difficult time in our lives.

Thank you,

Cookie, Tim, and Meredith Kaulfers

Family of Robert M. Kaulfers, PAPD #131