Photo by Mik Hawley
Early Wednesday morning, Londoners and emergency service workers gathered outside fire station one, in memory of those lost on September 11. and all emergency service workers who have lost their lives in service to their community. The event was hosted by the London Professional Fire Fighters Association and is held annually.
“23 years ago our world changed, and our emergency services world changed with it. We will never forget the countless lives that were affected, including the 343 brothers and sisters that perished that day,” James McKinnon, executive steward to the LPFFA said during the memorial.
The names of 42 fallen firefighters were read. It was also announced that four names will be added to the monument outside the station today: Platoon Chief Bob Drake, Captain Chris Bruinink, Captain Terry Kilburn, and Captain Jim Eggett. Their families were each presented with a Martin E. Pierce Medal in commendation of their service.
Three bells were rang three times during the memorial. Retired Captain Phil King explained the significance of the bells.
“The fire service of today is ever changing but is steeped in tradition, some over 200 years old. One such tradition is the sounding of the bell. In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of that day’s shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and put their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens.”
At the end of the ceremony, McKinnon spoke these words.
“We will not forget.”
