First responders remember one step at a time

Published Sept. 8, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "A date which will live in infamy," were the words spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the American people after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In America's modern time, the adage, "never forget" is something that goes hand-in-hand with the events of 9/11.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 resulted in a large loss of life -- casualties included the deaths of more than 3,000 people -- 246 on four planes, 2,606 in the World Trade Center and the surrounding area and 125 at the Pentagon. Nearly all of those who perished were civilians. The remainder were 72 law enforcement officers, 55 military personnel and 343 firefighters.

Even after more than 10 years since the attacks, Americans still come together on the anniversary to remember the lives lost. A time that is especially important for first responders.

"I had just gotten off duty from a 24-hour shift at the fire department and was at home having some breakfast while watching the Today News Show," said Joe Cocco, Panama City Beach Fire Rescue battalion chief. "That is when Katie Couric and Matt Lauer came on air and informed the viewers about a report of a small plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. Then unbelievable thoughts of shock and awe came over me as I watched the TV news reports -- especially when the second plane hit the other World Trade Center Tower."

On this day, first responders try to get out into the community and show that though America may have been hurt, its spirit will never be broken, Cocco added.

During this year's 9/11 anniversary local fire departments will go to schools and take part in the Panama City Beach 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

"We normally go to the local schools in Panama City Beach that have events to remember and honor all the people killed on 9/11," Cocco said. "We as a fire department have gone to many 9/11 Memorial events in the local Bay County area that have been put on by the Panama City Fire Department. This year we will be going to Breakfast Point Academy and Arnold High School."

The firefighters will go to the schools at 8 a.m. and 9:30, respectively.

"The Panama City Fire Department will also put on a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb here in Panama City Beach on Sept. 12, bringing together firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, military and civilians, to climb 110 flights of stairs to help remember all the lives lost on that day," Cocco added.

According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation webpage 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are not races:

"The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are not timed race events, but a way for firefighters and members of the community to honor and remember the Fire Department, City of New York firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows that we will never forget. The proceeds of these events help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation create and maintain programs that support fire service survivors. Your support of the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb events provides assistance to the surviving families and co-workers of the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001."

With the thoughts of American lives lost in their hearts, the first responders of Panama City, Tyndall and America will show the world that they will never forget, Cocco said.

"What the anniversary means to me is to pay respect and honor all the people who were killed on that day, especially all the first responders killed trying to save others," Cocco said. "On this day I pray for comfort for all the families who lost a loved one. My hope is to send them these prayers for healing and encouragement to not lose heart,"