Fitting Tribute For A Rockaway Hero:

The boardwalk at Beach 118th Street in Rockaway Park will from now on be known to all as Chief John Moran Way. Born and raised in Rockaway Park, Moran chose to raise his two sons, Dylan and Ryan, in the same neighborhood and on the same block where he grew up.
According to those who came out in his honor on Saturday, Chief Morans entire life was about family, friends, and Rockaway. His sister Ellen, who offered remarks from the family during the dedication ceremony, reminded those present of Johns love for the surf, sand, and the water.
Husband, son, father, brother, cousin and friend, John Moran touched many lives during his short time on earth. Now, as he was so aptly remembered by his friend, Father Peter Rayder, during the dedication, John Moran will always be remembered as a hero, a "Christlike man," who gave his own life for others.
"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out where the strong man stumbled, or where a doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, and who comes up short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause. The man who at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, fails while daring greatly, so that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who never knew victory or defeat."
This quote by Teddy Roosevelt, was a lifes message that John lived by, making it a personal creed, which he followed each and every day.
To those who knew him best, John Moran lived his life like the "man in the arena," who spent his short life in search of worthy causes.
The ceremony was coordinated by Councilman Joe Addabbo. In his opening remarks, the councilman referred to everyones deep feelings about the upcoming anniversary of the World Trade Center attack. He asked that everyone turn toward the positive, and move forward with comforting thoughts of the true hero that Chief John Moran was.
During the ceremony, Johns mom, Margaret Peggy Moran was presented with an American Flag by US Congressman Anthony Weiner. Speaking on behalf of the Rockaway community was our State Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer.
The preparation of the colors for flying the flag was officiated by Battalion Chief Mike McGrath. Participating in the ceremony from the FDNY were: Battalion 47, Ladders 137 and 121; Engines 265, 266, and 268. Lt. Kevin Hayes, from Ladder 3, performed "Amazing Grace," and local Boy Scout Daniel Green played Taps and the closing of the ceremony.
Closing remarks were delivered by Chief Morans cousin and U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley, who was witty and charming, and spoke of John as only a close family member could. It was obvious that his affection for his cousin, as a man, and as a leader of men, was undeniable.
Johns sisters, Ellen and Mona, and brother, Mike, were also in attendance, as was his wife, Kim, and his two beautiful young boys, Ryan and Dylan. The boys participated in the raising of the flag and the unveiling of the new street sign which now proudly boasts their dads name.