The Salem Fire Protection District remembered 9-11 twenty years later with a 5K run and Memorial Service on Saturday.
Fire Department Lieutenant Ryan Decker says the 160 who participated in the walk and run doubled their expectations.
“Started the run at 8:46 this morning, which is when the first plane hit the first tower. We blew the siren everytime that the next plane hit. When the tower’s fell as well so we tried to do everything with significance. We got the run as close as we could do the distance of 3.43 miles. 343 firefighters were lost in New York on that day.”
Decker says several members of the Salem Fire Department walked the course in full gear just like the firefighters had to endure in rescue attempts that day at the World Trade Center.
During the Memorial Service, Assistant Fire Chief Greg Miller recalled the timeline of events of 9-11.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley remembered that day as a frantic search to determine if his mother, who was a flight attendant, was aboard one of the hijacked planes.
“When our nation was under attack, we weren’t republicans or democrats, we were Americans. And Americans showed that when confronted with a challenge we rise together and march on with courage, bravery and conviction. When confronted with an act of war on American soil, brave first responders rushed into those buildings to help save any life they could. That’s the American spirit.”
The Reverend Trenton Ice noted the same dedication takes place locally every day.
“I’m always amazed by individuals and all of you that are standing here today, who respond without giving any thought to your own personal safety. People that put safety and the welfare of others above themselves.”
Ice closed the service with a prayer for those who lost their lives in 9-11 and for local first responders as they continue to serve our community each day.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley recalls the events of 9-11 as Assistant Fire Chief Greg Miller listens. The piece of steel on the table is a piece of the World Trade Center that was destroyed in the terrorist attack. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Marion County Fire Honor Guard stands at attention during the Memorial Program. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Children in attendance were able to play several fire-fighting games after the ceremony. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Start of the 5K Race.
