The flag at the Washingtonville September 11, 2001 memorial is flying high again, but this time with some extra eyes to ensure its safety.

“There’s just been an outpouring of love and true community values,” said Assemblymember Colin Schmitt on Thursday, announcing the donation of a video monitoring system to be installed after the memorial was vandalized last week. “It just shows that out of the worst of humanity, we get the best of humanity.”

What You Need To Know


  • Donations were received by Assemblymember Colin Schmitt, Washingtonville Firefighters World Trade Center Memorial President John Salka,  Washingtonville Mayor Joseph Bucco, and Trustee Paul Lang

  • Cameras were donated by New York Security Systems of Middletown

  • New video surveillance system will be installed in the coming days

Early last week, news emerged that the 25-foot flagpole at the memorial was found cut down and sprayed with graffiti. The camera system, valued at approximately $20,000, will be installed in the coming days.

“The support has been wonderful for over a week now since this ridiculous incident occurred,” said John Salka, president of the Washingtonville 9/11 memorial. “What it’s gonna do? It’s like posting police officers here. It’s like posting people here forever to watch. We’ll be watching now. We’ll always have something here to, like Colin said, guard this sacred spot.”

Until the installation is finalized, members of the community have been doing their part to protect the space.

“Right now, we have the volunteer watch 24/7. People are monitoring this site in person. They’re staying here to physically protect it, which is really a beautiful thing and really speaks to that community of character,” said Schmitt, “coming together to say ‘no, not in our community.’ "

The donation was made by local business owner Allan Markoff, president of New York Security Systems.

“It means a lot to me, because this is a memorial honoring people that gave their life to help others,” Markoff said. “Any time I get the opportunity, I’m more than happy to help people like that.”

The incident is currently under investigation by Washingtonville Police. In the meantime, a $5,500 reward is available for any information resulting in arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (845) 496-9123.