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by HEATHER CAMPO
It was like a huge family reunion.
About 500 people partied at Camp Kaufman in Sea View yesterday during the third annual Steve "Hangdown" Harrell Memorial Jam.
The fund-raising event was held in honor of the 15-year FDNY veteran who was killed when the World Trade Center collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001.
Brothers Lt. Steve Harrell, 44, and Lt. Harvey "Buddy" Harrell, 49 -- known as the "twin towers of Midland Beach," their boyhood home -- both died in the rescue effort.
Buddy Harrell of New Dorp, a 22-year veteran of the FDNY, was a member of Rescue 5 in Concord.
Steve Harrell of Warwick, N.Y., and a former Westerleigh resident, was working at Ladder Co. 10 across the street from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. His was among the first units to respond when Tower 1 was hit.
A talented musician and song writer, Harrell had played keyboards, saxophone and bugle. He was a member of several bands.
Yesterday's celebration featured Maria Milito of radio station Q104.3.
It offered food and drink, along with games, pony rides, face and hair painting, paddle boats and more.
But the main feature was live music.
"It's wonderful that his friends keep my brother's spirit alive by doing this," said Cyndie Casserly. "He was all about the music. He has really good friends."
Jimmy Steinhileer, Harrell's best friend from the age of 13, and Kevin Kelly of Ladder 157, where the firefighter was assigned, came up with the idea for the jam to celebrate his life.
The first one took place in 2002.
"I grew up with Steve. He was my best friend. I miss my friend and this day is what he was all about -- family, friends and music," Steinhileer said.
"It lets the family know that we remember them, and it lets the public know that we remember him. I guess it makes Steve happy, too," Kelly said.
Among the bands that performed at the barbecue was the Hangdowns, a tribute band that consisted of several of Harrell's old bandmates.
An event organizer and firefighter from Ladder Co. 157, who went by the nickname "Fish," said he expected the jam to raise several thousand dollars, which will benefit the Firefighters' Transport Fund, The Elsasser Fund and the Harrell Family.
"Each year it gets bigger and bigger. Steve was a popular guy and that's why everyone is out here," Steinhileer said.
Organizers estimate they have raised nearly $30,000 since the memorial began. "We're going to do this as long as we can," Kelly said.
"We're going to do this as long as we're breathing."
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