Reflections on September 11, 2001

Glenn A. Gaines, Acting U.S. Fire Administrator

As we have witnessed the events faced by California firefighters over the past several days, and on the eve of another September 11th remembrance, I find myself reflecting back to a time 9 years ago, and grateful for the services provided by our nation’s firefighters to the residents of their communities.

On September 11, 2001 my wife Linda and I were visiting Great Britain as a part of a tour. We were in Wales on the morning of 9-11 and the local time was just after 4:00 PM.

We joined with the global community as we watched the British television coverage with much concern while our fellow citizens, public safety, and government responded to the strike against our country. We would attend a Mass for those who died and were injured in the three incidents of September 11th.

The next morning, we found the garden outside the U. S. Embassy filled with citizens of London and surrounding neighborhoods who had brought all manner of gifts and expressions of sympathy for our nation and its first responders. These items included I Love New York t-shirts, personal (homemade) cards, miniature Twin Towers, and many other expressions meant to encourage and recognize those involved directly and indirectly with these tragic events. There were hundreds of London citizens from all walks of life, and all ages who came to our Embassy to sign a book of condolences. The line stretched for blocks.

I can still vividly recall being asked by my fellow American tour members if I thought there were firefighters in the towers when they collapsed. My response was clear and very hard to communicate. I said you can be assured they were there and in harm’s way, for it is what firefighters and first responders do.

We as a nation can be most proud of the men and women of our firefighting and EMS services. Today, as I reflect back on the events of 2001, and watch with great concern the activities of the men and women of the San Francisco area fire and EMS services, I am once again reminded of the invaluable services all first responders provide.

On behalf of the staff of the United States Fire Administration (USFA), I would like to thank the men and women of this nation’s fire and EMS services for the continued excellence of service they provide for all residents throughout our great country. The USFA will always remember the efforts of so many on September 11, 2001, and continue to join with our partners in providing the leadership and support required of today’s fire service.