Never forget

 

Speakers lined up to read names

The bright blue sky over Goochland Fire-Rescue Courthouse Company 5 on September 12 was eerily reminiscent of the perfect Tuesday morning 24 years ago when skyscrapers in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the unknown target of Flight 93, were attacked.

Retired Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief, Bill MacKay, who was a first responder at the Pentagon on 911 and began his fire service career as a volunteer on Long Island, created the tradition in Goochland. The fire service community is universal, when one member perishes, all mourn.

The event began with remarks by Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. "Eddie" Ferguson, Jr., followed by presentation of the colors by the Goochland High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC, prayers. and the Pledge, Then names of the 343 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty were read by representatives of Fire-Recue, the Goochland Sheriff’s Office, and staff members from the county, school, and constitutional offices.

Casualties came from all FDNY ranks, including Deputy Commissioner Michael Feehan, who at 71, was the oldest FDNY death. He held every rank during his career. Department chaplain, Father Mychal Judge the first FDNY 911 certified fatality, died giving last rites to victims.

FDNY dead were resolute public servants as well as parents, children, and siblings, whose passing left perpetual voids in their families.  Remains of some who died on 911 have never been found. Since that horrific day, others have died due to service-related illness contracted during the cleanup in the aftermath of the attacks.

Goochland’s current Fire-Rescue recruits, many born after 2001, attended the ceremony.  They watched as a 911 wreath inscribed “never forget” was placed by members of Goochland American Legion Post 215 at the memorial for Michael “Tink” Sims, the was the only Goochland Fire-Rescue volunteer to die in the line of service. His brother brought Tink’s toddler namesake to the ceremony.

Fire-rescue recruits watch wreath placement

Reminder of the service of Michael "Tink" Sims

Tolling of the bell, a fire service tradition to mark the  "end of watch" for a fallen fire fighter and dispatch tones were sounded.

Tolling of the bell.

The event was a solemn reminder that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS providers never know what dangers await them, even in Goochland, during their next shift. Yet they answer every call, running toward danger so the rest of us can get on with our lives. We must never forget the sacrifices of 911 and honor the fallen with respect and gratitude for those who protect and serve today and in the future.