Photo Gallery: First Responders Honor 9/11

ST. PETERSBURG – They represented the 343 firefighters and 77 police officers who died in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, responding to the attacks on the Twin Towers.

They are first responders from Tampa Bay communities and beyond who gathered in downtown St. Petersburg early Sunday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the men and women who sacrificed their lives trying to rescue others.

Filling a large rectangle of North Straub Park, approximately 275 firefighters and police officers posed in full uniform for a group photo.

They wore their heavy gear on a hot Florida morning, but there was not one word of complaint.

Everyone wanted to be in the large group photo; several group shots were taken from cranes, which gave aerial views of the large group assembled at the waterfront park.

"I don't know think John Q. Public understands the size of 343 and 77. Just the fact that everyone is here remembering is important. I would like to see all major cities do this. That way we are not celebrating 9/11 in a bowling alley, " said organizer Kris Hollenbach, who serves on the St. Petersburg Fire Department.

Some came because 9/11 inspired their careers as first responders. Others came to honor those they lost in the horrific event. At least one came who was in New York City on 9/11.

All were there to pay tribute and offer support. The accompanying photo gallery tells the story in photos.