As communities across the nation mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Alliance Police Department is encouraging residents to remember not only those who lost their lives that day, but also the men and women who served, responded and continue to serve their communities and country today.
“At a time when there is so much division, uncertainty and conflict in the world, September 11th is an important reminder of what service, sacrifice and unity look like,” Chief David Leavitt said. “We honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day, the first responders who ran toward danger, the military members who answered the call in the years that followed, and all those who continue to serve their communities today.”
Among those killed on September 11th were 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, 23 members of the New York City Police Department and 37 officers of the Port Authority Police Department. Many more first responders and recovery workers later became seriously ill or died as a result of their work at Ground Zero.
For those in public safety, Leavitt said the anniversary carries a lasting significance.
“The men and women who responded on September 11th did not know what the outcome would be when they went to work that morning,” Leavitt said. “They simply knew people needed help, and they answered the call. That willingness to serve others, often at great personal risk, remains at the heart of public safety today.”
Leavitt said the anniversary should also serve as an opportunity to recognize those who continue to serve in law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, the military, emergency communications and other public service roles.
“Service does not always happen on a national stage,” Leavitt said. “Every day, men and women across this country leave their families, put on a uniform or step into a communications center and accept the responsibility of being there when someone else needs help. September 11th reminds us why that service matters.”
Chief Leavitt also reflected on the unity Americans demonstrated following the attacks.
“In the days after September 11th, Americans supported one another in a way that many of us still remember clearly,” Leavitt said. “We may not agree on everything today, but we can still choose to respect service, recognize sacrifice and remember that we are stronger when we look out for one another.”
The Alliance Police Department encourages residents to take a moment on September 11th to remember those who were lost, honor those who served and recognize the men and women who continue to serve their communities and country every day.
We will never forget.