Wednesday, September 11, 2013

9.11.13 September 11, In Memoriam

“No Day Shall Erase You from the Memory of Time”.

Twelve years have passed since September 11, 2001 - a day most will always remember. Whether in New York City, or thousands of miles away, we all remember where we were and what we were doing the instant the news reached us. For the men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, we also remember what it did to galvanize our resolve and commitment to providing our region with an emergency response, ready 24 hours a day, to meet any challenge before us.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize that 12 years have gone by since so many victims lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and so many of our colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice when they rushed into both World Trade Center towers to do what any of us would do. Equally, we recognize the continued commitment, dedication and ultimate devotion to public safety we witness every day by Firefighters, EMTs, Police and all emergency workers around the world, and especially here in America.

 In 2013, by the end of August, we have already lost 79 firefighters who have answered their last call and we recognize their service and sacrifice. Tragically, those 79 line of duty deaths put us once again on track to surpass the average of 100 firefighters lost each year. On June 30th alone, we lost 19 firefighters from the Prescott Granite Mountain Hot Shots as they battled the Yarnell Hill wildfire in Arizona. Their circumstances remind us to always be safe in what we do.

In addition, we recognize the accomplishments of the thousands of military personnel who continue to fight for our freedom, the cost of which has come at a high price for them and their families.

We hope that you will take a minute to remember the efforts of those at Ground Zero 10 years ago, and know that the Cherry Hill Fire Department recognizes those efforts every day as we prepare and train, ensuring we are ready to respond to your emergency.