Firefighter Stan Smagala

Stan was a man that laughed at life. He treasured every day, living it to the fullest. Stan grew up on West 22nd St. in Deer Park N.Y. He came from a great family surrounded with love from his parents, Stanley Sr. and Florence, as well as his sister Linda and five brothers; Bob, Gary, Tom, Drew, and Jimmy. Stan being the youngest. Stan graduated from the Fire Department academy in April 1996 and was assigned to Engine Company 226.

Stan met Dena at his graduation and they started dating that July. They were engaged in September of 1997. They married the following June of 1998. They moved to our neighborhood in December 1999. Stan, being the handy man he was, turned their fixer upper into the beautiful home Dena and daughter Alexa live in today.

On days when Stan took time away from his chores he enjoyed golf, exercise and softball. He loved his job at Engine 226 and the brothers he worked with. In May of 2001 Dena became pregnant with their first child. Stan, not wasting a moment, began to prepare the baby's room. He was just getting to know his neighbors as he and Dena were beginning their new lives together in our community. They could see their future together here with the many children they planned to raise.

On September 11, 2001, Stan marched into the South Tower of the WTC doing what he was called to do and what he did so well, saving people and making others happy. He did just that. He made people happy every day of his life. He died the way he lived, helping others. On January 9, 2002, Stan and Dena' daughter was born. Her name Alexa Faith. Dena and Alexa still reside in their house, the house that Stan built. Dena continues to keep Stan's dream alive by continuing to raise their daughter here. Dena realizes this is where their future was supposed to be, and some day she can tell Alexa all about their memories and life they started together here on Springmeadow Drive.

Mrs. Dena Smagala