| Looking back at September 11, 2001
September 11, 2001 -Nine years ago today the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department was about to conduct a large scale disaster drill in the event the Lake Flower damn failed. There was federal, state, county and local officials all gathered at the fire house. I went to work extra early that morning to take care of a few things before going to the drill. The TV was on in the background as Matt Lauer and Katie Couric gasped at approx. 8:47AM when the first airplane hit the North Tower of World Trade Center 1 . At 9:02 AM many of us watched in total disbelief on live T.V as the second airplane flight 175 slammed into the south tower. The drill was immediately canceled and all the federal, state and county emergency management officials scrambled to get back to their perspective offices.
The fire house quickly filled with members, feeling anxious, helpless, and wanting to do something, anything to help. We all watched in silence as the south tower collapse at 9:50 AM and then the north tower at 10:28AM knowing that many firefighters and EMS workers had to have been killed in the collapse. All fire stations were put on alert and standby to possibly respond to New York City. Many members of the SLVFD were ready willing and able to drop everything and answer the call. Several days later we did respond with an ambulance and two EMS crews.
There were over 50,000 people in the Twin Towers. EMS workers evacuated over 45,000 from inside the buildings and God only knows how many outside and around the buildings.
Please take a few moments today to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect especially firefighters, police officers and EMS workers. Keep their families in your minds and hearts and let it serve as a reminder to us all to thank all those who serve as volunteer firefighters, paid firefighters, EMS and police officers.. |
