Associated Press

BRECKENRIDGE — Four New York City firefighters took a break this week to help their disabled children learn to ski.

"We are having the time of our lives up here, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and nicest people. It really has been a dream," said Lt. Thomas Westman of Engine 261 Ladder 116 in Queens.

"It has been a constant restoration of my belief in humanity that began the first day when we were embraced by the people of New York and the country. I was afraid it would be a fading feeling that would go away once the Christmas lights went up," he said Saturday.

"Now I think it has some legs. I do see people treating each other with more kindness. I think people do get it," he said.

Westman was able to watch his 5-year-old daughter, Meghan, ski from the top of this 12,000-foot-plus-high mountain all the way to the bottom. She was born profoundly deaf. His other children, Declan and Conor, also were learning.

"She has actually been phenomenal," said the proud father.

Eighteen inches of snow fell during their weeklong stay.

"It is just like the old days. Good friends, good people, great times," said Bob Hillery, a firefighter with Engine 216 Ladder 108 in Brooklyn.

The morning of the attacks he learned the brain tumor afflicting his 4½-year-old son, Logan, had spread to his spinal column.

"I would have been at work that morning except that I had to drive Logan to the hospital."

Logan also was learning to ski as part of the Hartford Ski Spectacular, an annual event in which Disabled Sports USA brings people with disabilities to Breckenridge to teach them to ski.

Also participating with their children were John Sarubbi, a firefighter with Engine 255, Ladder 157 in Brooklyn, and John Salka, chief of battalion 18 in the Bronx.

"All the parents are walking around with big smiles on their faces. Monday morning is going to hit us hard with the reality. But we have the memories," Westman said.

December 9, 2001

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