Spears delivers firefighter funds

It's the vision Frank Spears can never erase from his mind.

Whether is calling a friend to offer condolences for a death in the family or just driving to work, the pictures of the destruction at ground zero are there, gnawing at his emotions.

''It was pretty darn moving,'' he said. ''It was an incredible experience.''

Spears - the District 2 commissioner for Columbia County - accompanied the Care and Prayer delegation to New York last week to deliver more than $1 million to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani - the first checks actually delivered to the city.

Spears handed Giuliani a check for $28,200 - money raised by the Martinez Fire Department during a weeked boot drive.

''The firefighters just wanted to do something and the generosity of the people was just overwhelming,'' said Fire Chief Doug Cooper.

On Tuesday, Spears handed Cooper a FDNY cap, complete with ''Keep Back 200 ft'' - a common marking on New York fire trucks - embroidered on the back.

''It was a privilege to represent you,'' Spears said.

Spears also gave a hat to County Commission Chairman Barry Fleming, who encouraged people to maintain their support of America - especially during the coming months. He also encouraged anyone who's seen the destruction firsthand to continue telling their story - likening it to Pearl Harbor survivors relating their experiences from the beginning of World War II.

''It hits you right here, if it hadn't already'' he said, rapping his fist against his chest.

Spears said the trip and the $1 million delivery also got New York officials right there. And they were actually a little surprised by the response.

''They're not sitting around watching the Fox network and CNN,'' Spears said. ''They are working 24 hours a day.''