One of New York City’s many heroes was in DeKalb over the weekend to take part in a reception held by Mayor Greg Sparrow and the DeKalb City Council.

Ed Rodriguez, a lifelong resident of New York, is a firefighter of engine 204 in Coppel Hill. He is one of many fighters who risked his life to assist thousands of people after the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

DeKalb Fire Chief Pete Polarek thanked everyone for coming out to commend the bravery of a “brother firefighter.”

Speaking on behalf of the DeKalb Fire Department, Polarek called Rodriguez part of an extended family of firefighters.

“It’s unfortunate that it took tragedy to really understand our lifestyle and the job that we do,” Polarek said.

Rodriguez received enthusiastic applause as he presented both DeKalb firefighters and citizens with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the New York Fire Department.

“I want to thank the city of DeKalb for their support and appreciation,” Rodriguez said. “I’d like to invite all of you to New York, especially to engine 204, we’d love to have you,” Rodriguez added, upholding the idea of brotherhood.

Sparrow awarded Rodriguez with the DeKalb city flag, so that Rodriguez could “remember Dekalbites, our love for New York and our admiration for all you firefighters.”

Rodriguez also received a MIA/POW flag and United States flag from the Veterans of Foreign Wars post #2287.

Senator J. Bradley Burzynski also presented Rodriguez with the Illinois flag.

“We need to be very appreciative to those who served their duties above and beyond the normal call of duty and to realize what all of our own firefighters do for us here in the Midwest,” Burzynski said.