The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, September 11, on Bacon Street, adjacent to the Bacon Street Playground.
Ferugio, a Palo Alto native, was among those killed in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The monument bearing his name has served as a lasting tribute in his hometown.
An extensive revitalization project, developed over more than two years, includes improvements to the monument and the surrounding area. The work, valued at more than $20,000, was funded entirely through donations from businesses, organizations, community members and Ferugio’s friends.
“This upgrade has been in the works for over two years,” Assistant Fire Chief and Monument Committee member Jared Diehl said. “I reached out to Borough Secretary Angela LaSelva, who said, ‘Let’s make it happen,’ and eventually a committee was formed.”
Diehl said support from organizations including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Port Authority Police Department Benevolent Association helped make the project possible.
“We will be unveiling something very special to honor Michael and all those lost on September 11, 2001,” Diehl said.
The revitalized memorial will include several significant additions that will be revealed during the ceremony.
Committee member Jeffrey Dunkel said the response to the project reflects the impact Ferugio had on those who knew him.
“The outpouring of support from businesses and those who knew Michael speaks volumes about who he was,” Dunkel said.
Dunkel specifically recognized Womer Landscaping, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 and Patterson Block for their contributions.
“Without them, this would not have been possible,” he said. “These upgrades and the special pieces being added make this a truly unique tribute—one that will continue to honor Michael and all of the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001. We will never forget.”
Food and refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
Temporary traffic and parking restrictions will be in effect along Bacon Street beginning at approximately 4 p.m. and continuing until the event concludes.
Public parking will be available at the Citizens Fire Company lot and Mountainside Bible Church, located at Union and Cadbury streets. Mountainside Bible Church will provide shuttle transportation between both parking areas and the ceremony.
Limited parking will be available near the monument for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard.
The Palo Alto 9-11 Monument Committee is inviting residents, first responders, community organizations and members of the public to attend the ceremony honoring Ferugio and remembering all those lost in the September 11 attacks.
