London Firefighters remember 9/11
Published: 08 September, 2011
London Fire Brigade and the Firefighters Memorial Trust marked the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks last weekend.
On Sunday (11 September) staff attended Remembering with Hope, a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral that marked the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the 20th anniversary of the Firefighters Memorial Trust.
Chairman of the London Fire Authority, Councillor Brian Coleman, and London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson attended the service and afterwards placed a wreath at the Firefighters Memorial, which is outside St Paul’s. The wreath-laying ceremony also commemorated firefighters from across the UK who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Chairman and Leader of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Cllr Brian Coleman, said: “I was sickened by these despicable acts of terrorism. What happened in the United States that day ten years ago was an abomination. I join the rest of London, and indeed the United Kingdom, in remembering all those affected by this terrible atrocity.
“We will never forget those who died - innocent bystanders and brave emergency service workers alike.”
London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the friends, families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives on that terrible day, these include 343 of my firefighting colleagues.
“London Fire Brigade has a close relationship with New York City Fire Department so this anniversary is all the more poignant.”
Gerry Clarkson, Founder Chairman of the UK Firefighters Memorial Trust said: "The remembrance service in St Paul's Cathedral and wreath laying ceremony afterwards is not only to remember the great tragedy of 9/11, where so many lost their lives, but to do so with real hope for the future.
“We are particularly honouring the sacrifice that all emergency services are called upon to make in their efforts to protect their respective communities.”
The 10 year anniversary was marked by firefighters across London. A minute’s silence was held at fire stations across the capital at 13.46, which is the time the first plane hit the World Trade Centre. Firefighters paraded outside fire stations and station flags were flown at half mast.
The Brigade is inviting members of the public to leave messages of condolence on its Facebook page. All messages will then be passed onto colleagues in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
