Unofficial 9/11 Memorials Come Under Fire from FDNY Trademark Lawyers

A project using salvaged FDNY firetrucks as "mobile museums and memorials" dedicated to the memory of September 11, 2001, and the heroic firefighters who died that fateful day, have come under fire from lawyers representing the New York City Fire Department.

Source:  Remembrance Rescue Project Website

In July 2011, a group of firefighters purchased former Rescue Truck Number 3 from the City of New York, when it was going to be scrapped.  The firefighters were able to use parts from Rescue Trucks Numbers 4 and 5 to restore them to working condition.  The trucks became part of the "Remembrance Rescue Project."

The Project's website claims to be an educational, not for profit effort focused on educating and memorializing September 11. The Project's application for tax-exempt status from the IRS under Section 501(c)(3) is currently pending.  

The domain name www.Remembrance.co is currently registered to Christopher Gantz of "Strike the Box Enterprises" in Schaumberg, Illinois, whose e-mail address is apparently cgantz@firezonefun.com.

FireZoneFun.com offers children's amusement-park type "rent a fire truck" services for birthday and block parties.

The so-called "mobile memorials" that travel across America are not an official FDNY-sanctioned operation, and the trucks are operated by firefighters across the country who purportedly volunteer their time.

Upcoming locations where the trucks will be displayed include golf tournaments, airshows, NASCAR races and car shows.

However, FDNY lawyers and others have raised questions about the ongoing usage of the official New York City Fire Department logos on the Project's refurbished trucks, after multiple cease and desist letters were sent to the Project's management.

Source:  Remembrance Rescue Project Website

There have also been questions about the lack of involvement by active or retired FDNY members with the Project, but the Project claims that it has repeatedly tried to obtain assistance from the FDNY, as well as from family members of the fallen firefighters, but hasn't received any support.

As for the logos, the Project claims that it is currently redesigning them to steer clear of the NYFD's registered trademarks.