Orland Fire Protection District holds ceremony to Commemorate 9/11

The Orland Fire Protection District held a memorial service on Monday to remember the sacrifices of first responders and the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that took place 22 years ago.

Orland Fire Chief Michael Schofield led the commemoration offering remembrances for the sacrifices of First Responders.

Among the 2,977 Americans killed were 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.

The ceremony was held at the Fire District’s main Admin Building at 9790 W. 151st Street in Orland Park and attended by Chief Schofield, members of the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, and the Fire District's leadership staff.

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.

“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.”

Orland Fire Protection District Board President John Brudnak said that despite the passing of 22 years, the nation will always come together to memorialize the victims and the successful fight against terrorism to protect American citizens.

"First Responders made great sacrifices in an effort to save lives that tragic day. They are our front line to save lives," Brudnak reminded residents.

"This annual commemoration is our way as Americans to remember all of their sacrifices and reminds us about the price of freedom that we pay to protect our Democracy."

Among those attending the commemoration were OFPD Trustees Tina Zekich and Angela Greenfield, EMS Coordinator Josh Girdick, Deputy Chief Nick Cinquepalmi and a detachment of OFPD Battalion Chiefs. OFPD Chaplain and retired Lieutenant John Vogel offered the invocation.

-- Press Release