Eugene Whelen Tree, Gemini Springs Park - DeBary, FL
Posted by: 
Janila
N 28° 51.820 W 081° 18.548
17R E 469851 N 3192919
A live oak with a small stone memorial located in front of the twin springs in Gemini Springs Park honors Eguene Whelen, a firefighter who lost his life on 9/11.
Waymark Code: WMZ320
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 09/03/2018
Views: 3
From the National Fallen Firefighters website:
Year of Death: 2001
Eugene was the ninth of ten children. He was determined to be a firefighter from the time he was 10 years old. He accomplished his dream in October of 1995 and loved every minute he spent on the job. His captain once said that Eugene was the king of fun but when the alarm sounded he was the consummate professional.
So typical of many firefighters‚ Eugene loved life and loved people‚ especially children. He would spend hours with his nieces and nephews at family gatherings. And at the station house‚ kids from the neighborhood would bring their bicycles to him for repair.
Text on the memorial:
F.F. Eugene Whelan Engine Co. 230, FDNY On September 11, 2001, Eugene was among the hundreds of rescue workers who responded to the terrorist attack upon the World Trade Center in New York City. Sady for his family in NY and here locally in Volusia County, he never returned home. Although too many lives were tragically cut short that day, amazingly, more that 20,000 people were saved as a result of the immediate mobilization of the FDNY. In planting this tree, we honor the countless acts of selflessness and determination demonstrated by them that day, and the supreme sacrifice made by 343 of their brothers. We Will Never Forget