The almost 3,000 people killed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre were remembered Monday morning at a ceremony at the Belleville Fire and Emergency Services headquarters on Bettes Street.
One of the speakers was local MPP Todd Smith who said everyone was in shock that day, glued to their television sets wondering what might happen next.
Smith described the situation in the Quinte region that day 22 years ago.
“CFB Trenton went into lockdown. Our first responders, fire, police, paramedics – everybody was on high alert wondering if something like that could happen here at the base in Trenton or anywhere in our country, for that matter.”
Mayor of Belleville Neil Ellis said it was important to remember the work and sacrifices made by emergency responders.
” … such as firefighters helping evacuate buildings, to the Canadians who provided hospitality to the stranded airline passengers. It is important to honour these everyday heroes as it is to remember that anything can happen when you least expect it.”
Belleville Fire Chief Dan Smith said September 11 is a day to remember the aftermath of the attacks, the ongoing pain and suffering visited upon not only the first responders but to their families.
“The responding firefighters and paramedics did their job, did what they were trained to do that day.” Smith called on emergency responders to pause and reflect on 9/11 and what it meant for them to go out on every shift committed to do the very best work they possibly can.
Belleville Fire Chief Dan Smith. (Photo: Quinte News)
Three hundred and forty-three firefighters were among the victims of the attacks.
Referring to the rescue attempts at the World Trade Centre, Belleville firefighter Steve Cowey said “all gave some and some gave all.”
Atop this memorial at Belleville Fire and Emergency Services headquarters sits a piece of an I-beam removed the World Trade Centre rubble. (Photo: Quinte News)
9/11 2023 at Belleville Fire and Emergency Services headquarters. (Photo: Quinte News)
