AKRON (Aug. 29, 2002) — Goodyear´s newest blimp, “The Spirit of America,” will be christened by the mother of one of a New York police officer killed Sept. 11.
Letitia Driscoll, mother of NYPD Officer Stephen Driscoll, has accepted the company´s invitation to christen the ship. Her husband Patrick will accompany her.
“Goodyear is deeply honored to have Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll join us in the celebration of our new airship,” said Samir Gibara, Goodyear chairman and CEO. “The name of this airship and our celebration honors this country and its people, like Officer Driscoll, who displayed this spirit their entire lives.”
Goodyear will celebrate the airship´s christening during a morning program on September 5th at its airship base near Akron. The company plans to bring four blimps together for the first time in almost 40 years and the winners of a national “Spirit of America” essay contest to join in the festivities.
The NBC network plans live coverage of the christening on its morning TV show, “Today.”
“The thought of being a part of the christening touches our hearts,” Mrs. Driscoll said. “Pat and I are very excited and honored to be a part of this celebration.”
Officer Driscoll, 38, was a member of NYPD Emergency Service Squad 4 and died in the south tower of the World Trade Center. He was appointed to the NYPD in 1992 and began his career on patrol in Midtown Precinct South. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was born on the 4th of July. He is survived by his wife Ann and son Barry.