by ANDREW MINUCCI
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The firefighters of "The Jolly Rogers" -- Engine Co. 255/Ladder Co. 157 of Flatbush, Brooklyn -- will host the sixth annual Steve "Hangdown" Harrell Memorial Jam Sunday at Nansen's Park in Travis.
The yearly picnic is held in memory of Firefighter Steve "Hangdown" Harrell, who lost his life in Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
"We do it to keep Steve's memory alive," said fellow firefighter Kevin Kelly, his friend and colleague.
The event celebrates the life of a man described as an FDNY "legend" -- Harrell is remembered as a dedicated firefighter, great father, talented musician and invigorating storyteller.
"Aside from being a great firefighter, he played the keyboard, horns, guitar and was a writer," said Kelly, " He was a musician's musician and a fireman's fireman."
The afternoon event will feature the music of "Ridgemen of O.L.P.H.," which will perform the opening ceremony; the jazz-polka power punk group "DEA"; the rock and roll cover band "The Piranha Brothers," and many others. The band "Hangdown," comprised of musicians who used to play with Harrell, also will perform.
The event will begin at noon and conclude at 7 p.m.
All proceeds will be donated to the Elsasser Fund and Fireman's Transport Fund, organizations that support injured firefighters.
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