San Rafael, Marin Firefighters to Observe 9/11

SAN RAFAEL, CA — At 6:59 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 — the time of the collapse of the World Trade Center South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001 — the Marin County Sheriff Communications Center will ring down on all Marin fire stations in honor and respect of the 15th anniversary of the tragedy.

Just prior, at 6:58 a.m., community members may choose to join all available fire department personnel, who will assemble in silence and at attention at the flag pole in front of their respective fire stations. The communications center will alert all stations and then ring four sets of bells, with five chimes each, followed by the message, "Marin Comm clear."

The bells honor the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters who answered their last alarm and made the ultimate sacrifice Sept. 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York. "Signal 5-5-5-5" is a code deeply rooted in the history of the New York Fire Department, long before telephones and radios. It became universally known as the Tolling of the Bell and was broadcast over all telegraph fire alarm circuits as a sign of honor and respect for firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice.

At 7 a.m., following the bells, a minute of complete silence will be observed. Station crews may choose to follow that with recognition of recent line-of-duty firefighter deaths or recite the "Firefighters Prayer."

As flags at fire stations are flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, firefighters and the Marin community are encouraged to join the nation in observance of Patriot Day — an opportunity to never forget what happened on 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired the nation following the terrible attacks and dedicate oneself to helping others in their community.

As is customary, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation Friday declaring that Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, is indeed Patriot Day.

"I invite all Americans to observe this day with compassionate and selfless deeds that embody the values that define our people, and to visit www.Serve.gov to find opportunities to give back to their communities," Obama said in the proclamation.

That Fateful Day in American History - 9/11/2001
By Christopher Gray, fire chief
Rarely in our lifetime have we witnessed anything as horrific as the terrorist attacks on the United States of America that occurred on September 11, 2001. It’s a haunting memory of unspeakable loss that both scarred and bonded a nation that we will never forget. As the tragedies in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania unfolded that morning, the sorrow was also met with thoughts of our readiness and how we might handle a similar situation and provide assistance.
As firefighters and police officers, our mission is to protect and preserve lives and property. Daily we respond to events of personal tragedy and misfortune to minimize loss and suffering while mitigating the emergency. It’s what we are sworn and trained to do…help and protect others and do our best to make things better and restore normalcy. Through it all, we generally don’t question much about why something initially happened…we just respond and help. And unfortunately despite our best efforts, both civilian and first responder lives are injured or lost. Thousands of innocent people perished on September 11th for reasons we’ll probably never fully understand. We still mourn their loss.
A profound transformation also occurred that day, one that will forever change America and first responders. In the 15 years since this tragic event, our Nation has been marked by a time of renewed patriotism and preparedness. It makes me proud to see how many individuals rose to the collective calling in a time of need, fear and grief. For many, our call to unity, resolve and patriotism as Americans was buoyed by the acts of three FDNY firefighters who raised “Old Glory” on the battered masthead of a sailboat at Ground Zero that helped to lift a nation. Honorable acts of selfless service and helping hands never seemed more poignant.
September 11th also reshaped expectations about our collective response to future threats, creating a new call for security and response that remains today, 15 years later. Fortunately, Marin County continues to develop advanced security and response measures and we continue to be there for anyone, anytime that needs assistance. After all, it’s what we do and why we serve and we never close. Regardless of the call, Fire, Police, or Medical Professionals are there for you to respond with a calm and guiding hand to assist and reassure in your time of need.
Since that fateful day on 9/11, we will always look at a plane in flight or high-rise building differently, and yet hopefully…we will look at each other and our flag with newfound respect and appreciation. We’ll never forget the innocent victims’ and rescuers’ lives lost. And as your local First Responders, we’ll continue with our mission to help.
Respectfully,
Christopher Gray, Fire Chief
Sept. 1, 2016

Photo via San Rafael Fire Department