Firefighters’ heroism remembered on 9-11
By Kathy McCarty
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY — A replica of the World Trade Center’s twin towers was on display during a ceremony Sept. 11 in front of the Forum in Presque Isle, during the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention. Here, Chuck Beane, of the Sangerville Fire Department, is pictured facing the towers — 343 firefighters lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks nine years ago.
PRESQUE ISLE — Firefighters from across the state gathered in front of the Forum on Saturday, Sept. 11, to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and the victims of terrorists’ attacks nine years ago. Also attending were state and local officials, as well as members of the community.
This year marked the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention. The event was held in Presque Isle, with a number of activities, including a parade Saturday morning, followed by the remembrance ceremony. Several hundred people gathered to remember loved ones and listen as speakers reflected on the valor exhibited by those who responded following the attacks that fateful day.
ROBERT JACKSON, chaplain for the Presque Isle Fire Department, recited the “Firefighter’s Prayer” at a ceremony Sept. 11, during the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention hosted by the PIFD. Pictured in back, from left, are: Rev. Dan Coffin, chief fire chaplain for the Fire Chaplains of Maine; and Richard Cyr, president, MSFFF.
Richard Cyr, MSFFF president, began by acknowledging those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
“Every day lives are put at risk to protect the lives and property of those they do not know. They answer the call,” said Cyr.
Rev. Daniel Coffin, chief fire chaplain for the Fire Chaplains of Maine, followed, noting, “We mourn for those who’ve fallen in our midst.”
Ken Desmond, a member of the MSFFF board, read the names of Maine firefighters who’ve died in the past year, with each receiving “a last alarm,” with the ringing of a bell as each name was read.
Coffin said it would be “remiss to not recognize and properly pay tribute” to those who give so selflessly to protect others.
“We will for the rest of our lives remember where we were when the planes struck (on Sept. 11, 2001). To the members of the fire service, there was the extra shock” of knowing they’d lost some of their own as a result of the attack. “It will be burned into our minds, never to be forgotten,” said Coffin, speaking beside two memorials: a replica of the Maine Firefighters Memorial and a float representing the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
DAN BEAN performed a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” at the close of the remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 in Presque Isle.
He said the task is to “honor their memories.” “In that way, we keep them alive,” Coffin said.
A moment of silence followed, giving participants a chance to reflect on the events of 9-11 and how it impacted not just those directly involved, but the nation as a whole.
Sen. Susan Collins was the first guest speaker to address the crowd.
“It has been nine years since the terrorist attacks on our country, but in some ways, it seems like yesterday. The images of utter destruction and death area as vivid now as they were on that terrible morning. The emotions of shock and anger still overwhelm us. The grief of those who lost loved ones still aches,” said Collins.
While Sept. 11 was a day of horror, Collins said it was also a day of heroism.
“It was a day when first responders, as well as some ordinary citizens, taught us what the true meaning of heroism is. With the Twin Towers falling and the Pentagon under attack, the brave passengers on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania fought back, sacrificing their lives to save countless others,” she said.
Collins recalled her own experience following the attacks and the sights, sounds and smells that will forever be with her.
“We who are not first responders can never fully know where the courage to keep ‘heading up’ comes from. Whether you serve in a large city or small town, whether you are called to a major catastrophe or a local emergency, you ‘roll’ when the alarm sounds, heading into danger when others flee. You risk your lives to save the lives of strangers,” continued Collins.
In all, 343 firefighters perished on Sept. 11.
“Like so many organizations, the MSFFF worked to raise money and lend assistance to the firefighters of New York and their families,” she said, noting that each year more than 100 firefighters in the U.S. lose their lives in the line of duty.
Collins said as a leader of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, she is committed to working with firefighters to develop the necessary policies and legislation to ensure that “we move closer to the goal” outlined in the national Fallen Firefighters Foundation safety training program called ‘everyone goes home.’ She also serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services Caucus, which is devoted to promoting legislation that will help firefighters do their best to protect all Americans.
“While we always honor the courage of our firefighters, we must never take your courage for granted,” Collins said.
Congressman Mike Michaud was also on hand to pay tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty and the families left behind.
A WREATH was placed by Sen. Susan Collins and Congressman Mike Michaud before a replica of the Maine Firefighters Memorial as part of the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony held in front of the Forum in Presque Isle, during the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention. In front, in no particular order, are color guard members from the Bradley and Hudson areas: Ethan Bean, Kaitlynn Bean, Jacob Bean, Kennen Bean and Hannah Sirois. An unidentified firefighter is behind the U.S. Flag. MSFFF President Richard Cyr is standing at the podium in back.
“We remember these brave Mainers for the lives they lived and for the lives they saved,” began Michaud. “We also remember the events of Sept. 11, with deep sadness.”
One thing Michaud said citizens must do as a country to honor their memory is to ensure that “we provide expanded health care to all 9-11 responders. Many of them continue to suffer due to their courageous efforts. Just like our nation cares for our returning soldiers, we should take care of all those who put our wellbeing before their own.”
Michaud said we should not only honor their (deceased firefighters) memory, but also “show our gratitude to those who carry on their proud tradition.”
“Firefighters are heroes for risking their lives for us. But they are also heroes because they are pillars of our community and role models for our children. We owe more to our brave firefighters and to their families than we can ever repay,” Michaud said.
Sharon Campbell represented Sen. Olympia Snowe, who was unable to attend, reading from a prepared statement.
“I applaud the tremendous amount of time and effort put into this event and would be remiss not to acknowledge Richard Cyr of the MSFFF, Chief Darrell White of the Presque Isle Fire Department and Grant Spinney, event coordinator and member of the PIFD team, for their dedication to ensuring a spectacular venue and list of activities,” Campbell read on behalf of Snowe.
Snowe commented on the bravery of those who responded following the attacks of Sept. 11 and how the event will never be forgotten.
SOLEMN REMINDER — As names of each Maine firefighter who has died in the past year was read, a bell was rung by Bim Snow, vice president, MSFFF, of Hancock County, as part of the remembrance ceremony held Sept. 11 as part of the 47th annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention in Presque Isle.
“We also can’t help but feel a sense of pride because of what your brothers and sisters in uniform did that day, with no thought for themselves, only the overwhelming desire to help and protect and save as many lives as possible, despite the dangers they were facing,” read Campbell. “Each of you here today know that these brave Americans, many of whom did not return home that evening, did their mission without regret. It is with this somber thought, that today rings even more poignantly as we gather to pay respect to the fallen, but also to celebrate what they gave and what you all continue to give every single time an alarm rings calling you to duty.”
Like Collins, Snowe expressed her support for continued funding for programs to aid firefighters, including the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program.
“These grants have been instrumental in closing (funding) gaps, and I will continue to fight, as I have always, for programs that help to ensure that you return safely to your families after each shift — just as you have made certain that your fellow Mainers are safe every day without hesitation,” read Campbell.
A wreath was then placed by Collins and Michaud before the Maine Firefighters Memorial, with Dan Bean performing a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
