All,
Please accept a “heads-up” that we will perform our annual “9/11 Observation and Announcement” on Monday, September 11, 2023 @ 0659 hours. On this 22nd anniversary of this horrific day, we honor the 2,983 men, women and children killed in the attacks at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. May we never, ever forget.
Anyone that would like to participate in the observation and announcement is welcome. We will gather at Station 17 flagpole at 6:55.
A special thanks to Heather Costello and her staff at Comm Center for their participation in this tribute.
September 11, 2023, Observation & Announcement on the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11
- This morning at 6:59 am (The time of the south tower collapse) the Marin County Sheriff Communications Center will ring down all Fire Stations in Marin, with a very special message and bells, to honor and recognize the 22nd anniversary of that fateful day, 9/11.
- The alert to all stations consisted of the ring of the bells 5-5-5-5 (four sets of five chimes each)
- “Signal 5-5-5-5 is a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Fire Department of New York… These bells honor the 343 FDNY Firefighters who answered their last alarm and made the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001…
(5-5-5-5 Explanation…Long before telephones and radios, fire departments used the telegraph to communicate. When the handle was pulled on the once-familiar red fire alarm boxes found on nearly every street corner of America, a special code was transmitted to every fire station. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, the fire alarm office would tap out a special signal. That signal was five measured dashes, then a pause, then five measured dashes, another pause…then five more dashes. This became universally known as the Tolling of the Bell and was broadcast over all telegraph fire alarm circuits. This signal was a sign of honor and respect for all firefighters who had made the ultimate sacrifice and has become a time-honored tradition)
- May we never forget the time or place and the awe and shock of it all, the unthinkable acts that were committed and the unexplainable loss followed by unity, resolve and healing.
- This day has been proclaimed as Patriot Day and we ask that you join the Nation and remember those lost to the tragic events that unfolded before the world on September 11, 2001. This special day is also designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance when Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.
- The World Trade Center stood for 56 minutes and 102 minutes respectively after being attacked.
- The towers fell in 12 seconds. And while it’s said that “time heals” and that we are better prepared for the next terrorist attack and maintain an improved state of readiness, it doesn’t change the fact that 343 FDNY Firefighters and 71 NYPD and Port Authority Police Officers, never came home on 9/11 along with the 2569 innocent people that died from these unthinkable acts on that tragic day.
- Let us remain vigilant to take all possible precautions to limit exposure and be conscious of the importance of behavior health in our first responder communities.
Mark
Mark Pomi
Fire Chief
Kentfield Fire Protection District
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