Orland Fire Protection District Commemorates 9/11

Orland Fire Protection District Commemorates 9/11

The Orland Fire Protection District held a memorial Tuesday (Sept. 11, 2018) for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that took place 17 years ago. Orland Fire Chief Michael Schofield led the commemoration and Pastor Evan Goranson offered the prayer during the ceremony which was held at the Fire District’s main Admin Building at 9790 W. 151st Street in Orland Park.

The commemoration began at 8:30 am and included the ringing of the Fireman’s Bell, the raising of the Firefighters memorial Flag and the American Flag, and the reading of the Fireman’s Prayer.

Nearly 3,000 Americans including 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and on the 4th hijacked airliner that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania when passengers rebelled and successfully prevented the hijackers from crashing Flight 93 into the U.S. Congress.

“We can never forget this great tragedy and the price that was paid by nearly 3,000 Americans. Among the victims were 412 emergency first responders that included 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, eight medical technicians and one New York Fire Patrol officer who lost their lives that morning,” Schofield said.

“The ringing of the bell and the Fire Fighter’s Prayer are two traditions of the fire service which reflect respect and honor to those who gave their lives to their duty. The ringing of the bell represents the end of the emergency and the return to quarters, and is usually three rings of the bell, three times.”

(Photo caption: Orland Firefighters ring the Fireman’s Bell during ceremonies Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 commemorating the 17th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District.)