Though more than two decades have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the impact of that day still lingers in the hearts of communities across the nation.
In 2003, two years after that tragic day, residents Joanne and John Williams sought to create a meaningful tribute to fallen firefighter Thomas “Tommy” Hannafin, who tragically lost his life in the collapse of the North Tower. The Williams were related to Hannafin by marriage to the daughter of John Williams’ cousin, forging a personal connection that deepened their desire to honor his sacrifice.
Wanting to create a memorial that would keep on giving to other firefighters, John sought advice from Canyon Lake Fire Captain Brent Carter. With Carter’s help, the Williams decided to plant a tangelo tree at the fire station as a living tribute.
The original tangelo tree was planted on the side of the station, on the lawn next to a picnic table, with a memorial plaque added later. The tree became a symbol of remembrance for Hannafin and the other brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice.
By 2024, the original tangelo tree had long died, and the memorial plaque, which was relocated to the flagpole in front of the station when the tangelo tree died, was damaged.
In late 2024, in honor of the 23rd anniversary of September 11, the Canyon Lake Firefighters Association restored the tribute by planting a new tangelo tree, donated by Moon Valley Nurseries in San Diego. The new tree was planted in front of the station, near the September 11 monument installed in 2022. Today, the tree is thriving with tangelos.
In addition, the Canyon Lake Fire Department replaced the broken plaque on the flag pole. Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse rededicated the plaque during the city’s 2024 September 11 remembrance event at the fire station. The department also purchased a larger plaque honoring Hannafin to display inside the station.
Hannafin, a 10-year veteran of the department, was a member of Ladder Co. 5 in Greenwich Village. He was 36 years old when he answered his last call on that fateful day. He was last seen on the 37th floor of the North Tower. His brother Kevin was assigned to Ladder Co. 119 in Brooklyn and was among the rescue workers who pulled him and other members of Ladder 5 from the charred wreckage. Hannafin was a husband and father.
