Remembering 9/11

2,977.

That is the number of men and women who lost their lives during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. There were 75 firehouses in which at least one member was killed, and hundreds more died of complications and diseases brought about by these acts of terrorism. On Wednesday, the local VFW Post on Edward R. Knoll drive hosted an event to honor the memory of those brave souls.

“Over the last 23 years, many things have changed, but the resolve of the American people has persevered,” Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier said. “[…] Young school kids today learn about 9/11 in history class at school and events like this. We all said we would never forget years ago, and I stand here today with you as a reminder we did not forget.”

That day, a massive operation was undertaken to save as many lives as possible. 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies, and 27 fire officers were deployed to the crumbling inferno of the World Trade Center. All off-duty firefighters were recalled to respond to the emergency – the first time the FDNY has done so in over 30 years, the fire chief added.

It is not just the tragedy itself that must never leave our collective memory, but the stories of those humans and canines who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Dozens of photographs of the fallen were placed around the grounds and badges with their pictures were handed out to attendees.

Speakers came forward to detail the stories of a trio of heroic individuals: Captain Patrick “Patty” Brown, Officer Moira Ann Reddy-Smith, SSG Michael Wayne Schafer. Officer Smith is believed to be the first police officer to radio in the initial plane crash. The Sun honored the story of Staff Sergeant Schafer, who was a home-grown hero who graduated from Springstead High School, in previous editions.

Brown, who was a captain on the FDNY’s ladder 3 that morning, began his brave journey when he convinced his father to sign a form allowing him to join the Marine Corps. Brown served in the Vietnam War and rose to the rank of sergeant in the process. Following his return to New York, he joined the FDNY in December of 1977 and built a “legendary” career, noted Captain Sean Moulton, Hernando County Fire Rescue Department.

Patty was also a lieutenant on the FDNY’s ladder 28 and captain on engine 69. The quick-thinking leader performed many harrowing operations throughout his time with the FDNY before his tragic demise. He even saved a pair of men who were trapped on the 12^th floor of a burning high-rise building. Outside of his career as a firefighter, he was a golden gloves boxer and a second-degree black belt.

Last heard from on the 35^th floor of one of the towers, he refused to leave in the hopes of saving as many civilians as possible. A recording of Captain Brown’s final call to the dispatch center was a sobering firsthand account from that day. Tragically, his brother and sister-in-law both died of cancer years later after being exposed to the carcinogens at ground zero. Stories like Brown’s are “representative of everybody that was there that day,” Captain Moulton added.

When Sheriff Al Nienhuis spoke to the gathered crowd of veterans, citizens, and city officials, he emphasized the importance of support for the military and first responders as well as for justice. He thanked the students from Notre Dame Catholic School, who had obviously not been around to witness the attacks themselves, for being on hand to sing and learn about that fateful day. Remembrances like those on Wednesday are crucial for not only paying respect but for ensuring such tragedies never happen again.

“Let us never forget all of their sacrifice,” said Captain Moulton. “Let us always strive to live to the same level of courage and be inspired by their example.”