Locals remember Sept. 11 attacks

This Sept. 11 marked the sixth year since Americans watched in disbelief as passenger airplanes were used as weapons to fly into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. America and most of the world held its breath as the realization came that terrorists piloted these planes, that thousands had died and that nothing was ever going to be the same for our country.

Although that day was one wrapped in tragedy, it was also a day that exemplified the true meaning of American hero. It was with that memory that Glendale firefighters and engineers joined together for a ceremony early Tuesday morning.

“You remember where you were and what you were doing,” Captain Ron Gulli said of that day. He, along with firefighters and engineers from Glendale station 29 on Honolulu Avenue, solemnly prepared for the recognition ceremony.

Station members, still waking at 6:30 a.m., stood by the site’s flag pole. At 6:58 a.m. the ceremony began with the flag being lowered to half staff. There was a moment of silence as all bowed their heads. Then three sets of bells began to sound, the traditional last alarm for firefighters, and the flag was raised from half staff.

“Captain John Presten’s [a member of Glendale fire] cousin died in New York that day,” Gulli said. “He [Presten] is in New York today.”

The walls of station 29 are lined with memories of 9/11, including a poster with the name of every firefighter that was lost on that day.

The strong spirit of brotherhood that the firemen’s association is known for can be found throughout the station. In the kitchen area is a bulletin board filled with photographs of firefighters on fishing trips together, climbing mountains and joking around in the station. It is similar to photos found in any family home, and it is this bond that ties these firefighters to the ones on the other side of the country.

“We go out camping, we’re on ball teams together and do sports activities,” Gulli said. “Losing [those New York firefighters] is like losing part of our family.”

Gulli added that every firefighter can relate to the dedication of those who were the first to enter the World Trade Center tower.

“We know the dangers,” Gulli said, adding that they were doing their job. “You risk your life for others.”