Local firefighters mark 19 years since 9/11

There are few events that those the world over recall unfolding as though they happened just yesterday, but for thousands, 9/11 marks exactly such a date.

Often referred to as the deadliest terror attack in human history, September 11, 2001 – or 9/11 – took the lives of 2,977 people, and resulted in over 25,000 injuries. It was also the single deadliest incident for American fire fighters and police in the country’s history.

Today, Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, marks 19 years since the co-ordinated efforts of al-Qaeda terrorists led to two planes crashing into both the North and South towers of the World Trade Centre. One minute before the time of day the latter tower collapsed that day – 9:58 a.m. – members of Kingston Fire and Rescue assembled in front of their trucks at Woodbine Station in the city’s west end, as well as at the fire stations across the City of Kingston. At 9:59 a.m., the firefighters held a moment of silence in honour of all those who lost their lives 19 years ago.

“Even though life goes on, the fire service will never forget that tragic day and we will always pause to remember,” said Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong.

Further down the road in Loyalist Township, Loyalist Fire and Rescue held their own events to mark the anniversary of the tragedy. There, after holding two separate moments of silence, firefighters walked for 343 minutes to all three of their mainland stations, raising money to support the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Foundation in memory of all those first responders lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Those wishing to contribute can find out more here.