Sept. 11 a day of remembrance for first responders

Officer Brandon Elliot with the Auburn Police Department said he was impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Area police and firefighters pause every year to remember first responders killed in the attacks.

By: Katie Stallcup Staff writer | Opelika Auburn News
Published: September 11, 2008

Opelika firefighter Dennis Hanson explains how firefighters’ actions on Sept. 11 reinforced his decision to become a firefighter.

Once a year, a bell rings out at Auburn Fire Station 1 — 343 times, one toll for each firefighter who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Firefighters and police say they have mixed feelings each Sept. 11: sorrow in remembering the losses of their “brothers in blue” and pride in being a part of the force.

Opelika firefighter Dennis Hanson always knew he wanted to be a firefighter — his father served in the New York Fire Department before the family moved to Alabama. Hanson was attending Auburn University when he found out about the attacks. His first reaction was concern for family still in New York and a cousin on the NYPD force.

The second was watching first responders rescue people and sacrifice their lives for others.

“It definitely had an impact on me,” he said. “It made my decision easier. I was making the right choice.”

The actions of those New York firefighters “made me proud to be one once I (became) a firefighter,” Auburn firefighter Steele Kelly said.

Police officers take note, too. Auburn police Patrolman Brandon Elliott said he thought the anniversary, though tragic, was still a chance for the country to come together.

Auburn police Capt. Tom Stofer said those in uniform get more recognition, not only on the anniversary, but every day since the attacks. People saw what first responders do, he said.

“We get a bit more slaps on the back, and people say, ‘Thanks for what you’re doing for your city and country,’” Stofer said.

As tragic as the events of that day were, they helped bring into focus the need for funding and supporting first responders, Opelika Fire Department Assistant Chief Danny Cotney said.

“That really brought the fire service to light for a lot of people,” Cotney said. It changed how they train and how they think, he said.

Seven years later, perhaps not everyone stops to think about that day. But each Sept. 11 makes firefighters pause, Kelly said.

“It’s a pretty solemn day around here.”

Auburn firefighters Steele Kelly and Brent Bennett take pride in being first responders.