Community Corner

Intersection Named After 9/11 Responder Robert Helmke

The Intersection of Gibbs Pond Road and Smithtown Boulevard is honorarily renamed "Officer Robert Helmke Place."

Elected officials renamed Gibbs Pond Road and Smithtown Boulevard intersection in Nesconset after a 9/11 first responder Saturday, shortly after the new .

Legis. John Kennedy Jr., R-Nesconset, presented Hauppauge widow Greta Helmke with a sign renaming the intersection Officer Robert Helmke Place in honor of her husband, a first responder who died of 9/11 related illnesses.

"This is a very special place for me as the park is right here," Greta said. "I am proud of him and what he did not just as a first responder but as a husband  and a great father."

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Robert Helmke, an officer of the New York Police Department spent several months working at Ground Zero. He died of  stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer.

His death inspired Greta to join with others to form the nonprofit 9/11 Responders Remembered, who designed and created the 9/11 Responders Remembered memorial.

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I just wish he didn't have to suffer like so many other first responders," Greta said, fighting to hold back tears.

Robert Helmke's name will be one of the 900 names inscribed on the black granite walls of the memorial in honor of their service on 9/11.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here