Mat-Su first responders gather at station 6-1 on 20th anniversary of 9/11 to remember fallen heroes

WASILLA — Twenty years after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, dozens of firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel gathered in Wasilla at Central Mat-Su Public Safety building 6-1 to remember the fallen heroes.

Coinciding with the time that each of the World Trade Center towers fell, dozens of first responders held a moment of silence at 5:59 a.m. and then again at 6:28 a.m., commemorating the 412 first responders who died during their efforts to save people inside the buildings.

Local first responders gathered to place 343 flags in honor of each firefighter who died that day. There were 37 port authority Police Officers who died, 23 New York Police Department officers, and 2,977 people killed in total as a result of the 9/11 attacks. Flags were displayed on the lawn at station 6-1 to remember each of the fallen first responders as part of a somber ceremony early Saturday morning on the 20-year-anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“That event really solidified in the heart of America their adoration for what we do as first responders and a title that the public has given us is hero,” said Pastor Norm Wagner. “My prayer is that we truly live up to that title and that when that opportunity comes or when that time comes to prove you’re a hero, would be just as brave and just as steadfast as those men and women that responded that day and rushed into harm’s way, selflessly giving of themselves to serve and save others.”

After all 412 flags had been placed on the lawn at station 6-1, three fire engine ladders were extended high above the station and lit up with one American flag in the center.