DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — A 1951 Mack fireplace truck is presently housed at Deerfield Seashore Hearth Rescue Station No. 1. It’s a part of the New York Metropolis Hearth Division Hearth Household Basis. Engine 343 — the “Engine Firm for the Fallen” — honors the 343 New York firefighters who died within the line of obligation in the course of the Sept. 11 terrorist assaults.
Twenty years later, many firefighters like Broward County fireplace Capt. Christopher Boyer are reflecting on the fateful occasions of that day.
“On the time, my dad was a fireman in Dawn, so he was on shift when it occurred, when it went down,” Boyer mentioned. “A number of older guys at our fireplace division — some which might be nonetheless right here, some which might be retired — had been on Florida Job Drive 2. They went to New York after the collapse to search out the survivors and dig up the firemen that we misplaced.”
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The equipment is commonly utilized in parades and memorial occasions. It has all the images of the firefighters and their names and squad numbers.
“For me, being a second-generation fireman is simply carrying on that pleasure, obligation and honor, maintaining their reminiscence alive and always remember these guys’ names and the service and sacrifice they did,” Boyer mentioned.
Some neighborhood members are already exhibiting their appreciation for first responders. Completely satisfied & Wholesome Merchandise in Boca Raton has continued its annual custom within the years since 9/11 of handing out chilly sweets.
“We’re so aware of the sacrifice made,” Linda Kamm, president of Completely satisfied & Wholesome Merchandise, mentioned. “We wished to indicate our appreciation for the sacrifices that the firefighters and policemen make on a regular basis with none recognition just about, and so we began to take our fruit bars to the hearth stations.”
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Boyer mentioned it is the little issues that usually imply probably the most.
“Generally, you recognize, folks name simply to be picked up in the course of the evening and only a easy gesture saying ‘thanks’ means lots to us,” Boyer mentioned.
