Local News - September 2002

Moving service honors lifesavers

Rescue squad celebrates 25 years

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

September 9, 2002 - DENVER — As words like duty, honor and country spilled from the lips of speakers, tears rolled down the cheeks of some of the county’s bravest men and women.

A memorial service was held Saturday at Westport Baptist Church  to honor firefighters, paramedics, police officers and military heroes who gave their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The event also honored 25 years of service by the East Lincoln Rescue Squad.

Local police, firefighters and EMS workers stood in the front of the church at attention while organ music filled the room, some overcome with emotion.

Douglas Jolley, chief of East Lincoln Rescue Squad, praised the efforts of those who died Sept. 11.

“Most were ordinary men and women just like you and I, going about their daily lives,” Jolley said.

But when tragedy struck, they risked their lives to save others.

“Hundreds rushed in when thousands were rushing out,” Jolley said. “No questions, no hesitation, no remorse — they just went.

“As the towers tumbled, they were directly in the line of fire, attending to victims on the street below.

“The alarm sounded, the bell went off, and they went — that’s what they do.”

Jolley read a letter from President George W. Bush, thanking local public safety workers for their dedication.

Silence fell over the church as members of Disabled American Veterans, Lincolnton Chapter 53, walked down the carpeted aisle to present the colors.

Their faces were strong, but their eyes were full of emotion.

Jennifer Brown, Kay Brown and Emily sang the Star Spangled Banner, and all eyes were on the American flag, which hung motionless from its pole.

Fred Dowden, assistant chief of staff, Senior Reserve Advance, 18th Airborne Corp., spoke about those who were involved in the Sept. 11 tragedy.

He told the audience about retired Col. Rick Rescorla, who worked at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and who died while helping others escape as the towers crashed down.

Rescorla was last seen rushing back into the building looking for more of his co-workers.

“I’ve never been prouder to be a soldier in the United States Army than I am now,” Dowden said.

It is important to demonstrate support of those in and out of uniform, he said.

There are three words that characterize heroic actions, Dowden said — duty, honor and country.

“We must be resolute,” he said. “We will never forget Sept. 11, 2001. Out of the darkness of that horrible day has risen a national resolve.”

Dowden said memorials are held so that people can look back in order to look forward.

“Memorials are an opportunity to remember, lest we soon forget,” Dowden said. “In the end, it is truly all about duty, honor and country.”

Doris Gardner, supervisory special agent of the FBI in Charlotte, said diligence is the key to preventing another attack.

It is important to pay attention, she said, and to remember that a Code Yellow threat level is still in effect.

“We still have a threat,” Gardner said.

The Rev. Mike Young reminded everyone that something good came out of the terrorist attacks.

Children are looking up to firefighters and police officers again, he said. They have once again become the heroes of America.

“It’s a proud thing,” Young said. “Something good happened that day — a new awareness and respect that America has (for public safety workers).”

Before Taps was played, Young noted that the song has no official words.

However, several versions have been written, and what they all have in common are the words “safely rest.”

It is because of police officers, firefighters, paramedics and the military that Americans can safely rest, Young said, and for that, we should be thankful.

“We can safely rest because of those heroes — the mighty men and women who keep us safe.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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