Door County is approximately 1,000 miles away from New York City, but you can still see the impact of a single September day 20 years later. Of the over 2,900 people killed in the September 11th attacks, 343 New York City firefighters responding to the World Trade Center. WPVI in Philadelphia reported that another 227 firefighters have died in the years since due to 9/11-related illnesses. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht was on the way to a paramedic meeting when he learned of the attacks. As people’s eyes were glued to their televisions, Hecht says they saw what emergency responders are willing to do for their community.
Unlike the military that saw a small spike in the wake of the attacks, local fire departments did not. Hecht did add that the firefighters that did show up were more engaged.
Hecht thanks the community for all of their support over the years and encourages everyone to take some time to remember the events of 9/11. The Sturgeon Bay Fire Department and the Door County Maritime Museum plans on honoring the lives lost with a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday inside the new tower.
