A Day We Will Never Forget: Steuben County Marks 25 Years Since 9/11

A gathering in Erwin NY’s First Responders Honor Park to honor the anniversary, locals who answered call to serve

From Steuben County NY, picture is Public Safety Director Tim Marshall

Twenty-five years ago, our nation was rocked by a tragedy that changed the world forever.

Today, community leaders, first responders, public officials and residents from across Steuben County gathered at the First Responders Honor Park in Erwin to remember September 11, 2001, honor those who lost their lives, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who answered the call when our nation needed them most.

The gathering served not only as a solemn remembrance of one of the darkest days in American history, but also as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice and unity that emerged in its aftermath.

Among those speaking was Steuben County Legislature Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick, who challenged everyone in attendance — and those who may hear her words in the future — to remember the unity that brought Americans together following the attacks.

“As we stand here today, I challenge those that are in attendance and everyone else who’s not, who may hear or read my words, to find that unity again. The unity we had as a country. Human spirit rose from the 9/11 ashes like a phoenix taking flight,” Fitzpatrick said.

Steuben County Public Safety Director, Timothy Marshall, also addressed those gathered, recognizing the Steuben County first responders who volunteered to travel to the disaster site in the aftermath of the attacks.

Marshall named the individuals who answered that call, representing communities and agencies throughout the Three County Region. Their willingness to leave their families, their communities and their own safety behind to help others stands as a lasting example of the selflessness and courage that defined so many Americans in the days following September 11.

The names of those Steuben County first responders, along with their communities and the organizations they represented, are listed below. A photograph of the responders before they traveled to assist at the catastrophe is also included below.

Today, 25 years later, we honor those we lost, we honor those who served, and we honor the first responders who continue to protect and serve our communities every single day.

Steuben County 9/11 First Responders & Community Support Personnel

Avoca

Avoca Ambulance