Unit handles 152 funerals in 30 days

NEW YORK -- Firefighter James Sorokac gives a slight nod, the signal that starts yet another memorial service for a fallen brother.

A borrowed firetruck from Elizabeth, N.J., slowly moves up the street while a double line of firefighters in dress blues stands at attention. Bagpipers from the New York City Fire Department follow, marching to a solemn drum beat.

On this day it's Staten Island. But it's a scene Sorokac, part of the Fire Department's ceremonial unit, has witnessed all too often since the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center left 343 firefighters missing or dead.

The ceremonial unit, which coordinates funeral details between families, houses of worship and the department, has planned and attended 152 services so far.

It is only halfway through.

"There's no doubt about it. My men are exhausted, both physically and emotionally," said Lt. Walter Dreyer, who oversees the unit. He expects the funerals and memorials to continue for at least another month.

Before the attack, the six-man ceremonial unit would handle an average of six funerals in an entire year. "Now we're doing six a day," Dreyer said. Until the trade center, the largest loss the department suffered happened on Oct. 17, 1966, when 12 firefighters were killed battling a five-alarm fire.

Since the attack, 54 men have been added to the ceremonial unit. They typically split up into six-person teams and attend as many services as they can.

"Just the logistics of rushing from one service to another causes a great deal of stress," Dreyer said.

The worst day so far was Oct. 6, when the unit attended 24 services in a single day. This weekend 16 are scheduled.

Asked how he handles his emotion, Sorokac shook his head sadly and said: "Quite honestly, it hasn't all sunk in yet. I guess I'll deal with it later.