Howard, one of the 37 Port Authority cops killed in the World Trade Center attacks, created the special rescue unit that handles emergencies at Kennedy Airport.

Now his team is ready for plane crashes, hijackings and worse, thanks to the million-dollar rescue truck Howard designed before he died.

"It's a shame that he didn't get to see that truck," Lt. Daniel Carbonaro said, "He lives in that truck for us."

The truck is crammed with protective suits, extrication tools, rappelling gear, medical equipment and weaponry.  Howard designed every inch of it - except for the bronze plaque on the driver's side that dedicates the rig to his memory.

Howard, a 16-yr veteran of the force and father of two son, was 44 when he was killed in the collapse of the north tower.  His mother, Arlene, gave his badge to President Bush a few days later, and Bush still carries it.

Howard was a sour-faced, bald-headed, hulking man who lived for rescue work, saving countless lives and training hundres of cops and firefighters how to do the same.

"When he showed up on a scene, no matter what the rank, he was the general," Officer Dan Rhein said, "Everybody would give a big sigh of relief."

When Howard started at Kennedy, Port Authority police relied on city police and firefighters for special emergencies.  Though Howard only held an officer's rank, he persuaded the agency to create and equip the Emergency Service Unit.