Today marks the 25th year since the tragedy that shook the United States of America and the whole world. Fire Chief Purtill and the Orland Firefighters Local 2754 Honor Guard led the Remembrance Ceremony at the OFPD Firefighter Memorial, as we paused to remember those terrorist attacks 25 years ago and to pay tribute to those First Responders whose actions saved countless others, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

Chief Purtill began the ceremony by stating that September 11, 2001 changed the world forever and that the Orland Fire Protection District stands together with our community to remember, to honor, and to renew our sacred vow: NEVER FORGET. He asked all to remember the 3,000 lives lost that day, including the 343 members of the FDNY who answered the call knowing the tremendous danger before them. Their courage, service and sacrifice continues to represent the very best of what the Firefighter position stands for. He also wanted all to remember the countless number of First Responders who worked in the days, weeks and months that followed and those who later lost their lives because of their service at Ground Zero, as well as the members of our Armed Forces who answered their own call to serve in the years that followed. He added that for those in the fire service, September 11 is more than just a moment in history. It is a reminder of the responsibility we carry – to serve without hesitation, to take care of one another, and to honor those who came before us through the way we serve today. In closing he expressed his pride in the men and women of the Orland Fire Protection District and the traditions of service, honor, and remembrance that we will continue to carry forward.

The Memorial concluded with a bell ceremony and moment of silence. A bell ceremony in a fire district honors fallen Firefighters with a traditional bell toll, most often three sets of three rings, followed by "Taps" or "The Last Alarm," symbolizing the end of their watch and their final return home. These ceremonies are a solemn tradition and a powerful symbol of respect for Firefighters who died in the line of duty, also called the "last alarm".