2009 News Archive
Johns Creek/Sandy Springs firefighters honor 9/11 brethren
8th anniversary of WTC terrorist attack: 'We'll never forget!'
9/10/2009
On the eighth anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, the firefighters of Johns Creek and Sandy Springs, Georgia, will honor the 343 members of the New York Fire Department who died that day with a shared moment of silence, flags and a vow to "never forget."
Tomorrow morning, at 8:46 a.m. – the exact time the first hijacked plane flew into the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 – firefighters will stand in front of the cities' seven fire stations, each adorned with American flags, and listen to the following radio transmission from ChatComm, the cities' joint 911 Communications Center:
"ChatComm to all stations: Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember the deeds of heroism performed by firefighters in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001."
All non-emergency radio traffic will be stopped during the minute of silence, followed by another message:
"The heroic deeds and ultimate sacrifice of the 343 firefighters that gave their all will forever be remembered and honored without end."
A "Tolling of the Bells" will end the tribute and normal radio traffic resumed, as firefighters return to duty, surrounded by strong visual reminders of their fallen brethren.
Over the last few days, firefighters have placed 343 small American flags – one for each New York firefighter who died on 9/11 – outside the seven fire stations across both cities.
"This is our small way of honoring our fellow firefighters who lost their lives performing acts of heroism eight years ago. We will never forget and we don't want the public to, either," said Johns Creek Fire Chief Joseph Daniels who organized the tribute with Sandy Springs Chief Jack McElfish.
The public is invited to stop by any fire station in Johns Creek or Sandy Springs (see list below), to join the firefighters in remembering 9/11.