From Key West to Islamorada
firefighters honor Sept. 11 dead
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
Fourteen years after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, a memorial, museum, and proud new skyscraper mark the spot in Lower Manhattan where the twin towers once stood.
The chaos and death of that terrible day are now a ugly memory, but for the curators of the Key West Firehouse Museum, the heroism of the first responders who rushed towards the danger – at the cost of many of their lives – will never be lost to the mists of time.
“We should never forget the sacrifices that everybody made that day,” said Retired Key West Fire Department Capt. Alex Vega, who also serves as the president of Old Firehouse Preservation, Inc.
“The firefighters, the police, and the passengers on the planes. It’s kind of like Pearl Harbor. As time goes on it becomes part of history, but 14 years on, 9/11 is still fresh on people’s minds.”
At 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, the Firehouse, at 1024 Grinnell St., will once again host its annual remembrance of 9/11, to celebrate the lives and heroism of those who stepped up that day to do their duty, in the face of mounting catastrophe, and great personal risk. The fire bell will toll at the moments when the two planes hit the World Trade Center.
Mayor Craig Cates and other city officials will give speeches, side-by-side with representatives of all first response teams in the Southernmost City. Coffee and doughnuts will be served.
“We have added a Blessing of the Helmets ceremony this year with a twist,” said Old Firehouse Director of Operations Richard Siniscalchi. “With all that is going on with law enforcement right now, we have asked the Key West Police Department to also participate in what is usually done for firefighters. We want to encourage all first responders to bring a helmet or some other item to be blessed. Also, it seems like this will be the only event open to the public in Key West on this day. The military has informed me that they will not be able to do their event at Mallory Square this year and must limit it to invitation only, on base.”
The Old Firehouse has hosted this event each year since 2010. All are invited to attend.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the event is asked to call Siniscalchi at the museum, at 305-849-0678
Islamorada remembers
At the other end of the Keys, Islamorada Fire Rescue will host its annual Patriot Day ceremony, where the heroes of 9/11 will also be remembered.
That event will take place beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sept. 11, inside the truck bay of Station 20, located at 81850 Overseas Highway, across the street from the Hurricane Monument, at Mile Marker 81.8.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call Lt. Glenn Taylor at 305-664-6159.

 

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