First responders gathered in St. Thomas, Ont. on Wednesday to pay their respects to those that misplaced their lives in New York Metropolis on Sept. 11, 2001.
“On Sept. 10, 2001, 413 first responders, including 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 13 paramedics and three emergency medical technicians went to bed, never thinking that the very next day would be the day that they lay down their lives for another,” mentioned Chaplain Al Stone of the St. Thomas Fireplace Division.
“The 2,334 people working on that day in the Trade towers never thought that somebody would be laying down their lives for them.”
Stone additionally remembered three native hearth fighters who misplaced their lives within the line of obligation.
“In 1872, 29-year-old William Reese laid down his life in a collapsing building,” added Stone.
“In 1887, Herman Ponsford laid down his life after a train collision and in 2001, Captain Dennis Redmond laid down his life in a fire at 200 Chestnut Street.”
Members of the St. Thomas Fireplace Division, St. Thomas Police Service and Elgin St. Thomas EMS collect for a remembrance ceremony on September 11, 2024 (Brent Lale/ Ontario Chronicle London)
Mayor Joe Preston spoke of how since that tragedy 23 years in the past, the primary responders in St. Thomas have turn into stronger by serving collectively.
“We are citizens of this community, and we feel safer each night going to sleep and every morning getting up, knowing that you’re there with us and there to help us,” mentioned Preston. “From Saint Thomas’ heart, we’re grateful. Thank you.”
Members of the St. Thomas Fireplace Division, St. Thomas Police Service and Elgin St. Thomas EMS collect for a remembrance ceremony on September 11, 2024 (Brent Lale/ Ontario Chronicle London)
Lastly, Daryl Smith, President of the St. Thomas Skilled Fireplace Fighters Affiliation took the mic to recollect those that not solely misplaced their lives within the line of obligation, but in addition those that have died resulting from occupational illness and stress, associated to the job.
“We have had occupational disease hit us here in Saint Thomas,” mentioned Smith. “It hits firefighters across both nations and the world. We strive to be better with our occupational disease efforts and decontamination in trying to fend off those harsh chemicals. We’re trying hard.”
