GREENFIELD — It was a day of remembrance and reflection on Saturday, Sept. 11, which marked the 20th anniversary of the attack that claimed thousands of American lives in 2001.
A bagpiper’s solemn tune rang out at the Fraternal Order of Police lodge in Greenfield, as people gathered to honor the first-responders who gave their all that day, and in the months and years that followed.
Tony Bratcher, a firefighter with Sugar Creek Township Fire Department in New Palestine, organized the event on behalf of the Hancock County Professional Firefighters association.
“The FOP had the space and we had the program. We’ve always got each other’s backs,” said Bratcher, referencing the bond that exists between firefighters and police. What better way to celebrate that bond than on the anniversary of 9/11, he said.
A crowd gathered on the lawn outside the FOP lodge at 6 p.m. Saturday to see the presentation of the flag by an honor guard of firefighters in their dress uniforms. One was carrying a shiny silver ceremonial axe to honor the fallen.
Just an hour before, another crowd had gathered for a 9/11 ceremony in the Living Alley in downtown Greenfield.
Patriotic songs were performed by the Brandywine Wind community band, and vocalist Anita Workman sang a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless the USA.”
Members of the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard presented the flag and gave a 21-gun salute to honor those whose lives were lost on 9/11 and those who later died as result of exposure to harmful elements as they sifted through the rubble.
In all, 415 police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians died in the attacks that day.
“We will always remember,” said Chief Brian Lott of the Greenfield Fire Territory.
Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell said the terrorists who plotted the attacks underestimated Americans’ resolve.
“They tried to destroy us. They tried to knock us down, but they only made us stronger,” he said.
Several local first-responders were honored by Greenfield American Legion Post 119 at the event.
Recipients included: Adam Foster, Hancock County EMS Officer of the Year: Claude Hedland, Greenfield EMS Officer of the Year; Isaiah Faust, Greenfield Firefighter of the Year; Blake Crull, Greenfield Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; and David Hine, Post 119 Legionnaire of the Year.
This was the fifth annual Hometown Heroes event to be held in downtown Greenfield. Post commander Charles Gill said he was thankful for the chance to publicly recognize local first-responders who go above and beyond the call of duty each year.
“They work tirelessly each and every day and deserve to be recognized. All first-responders do,” he said.
Deputy Chief Chuck McMichael of the Greenfield Police Department said community events like those held Saturday are a great way for the public to get to see local first-responders on a more personal level.
“Far too often we see and hear about the negative encounters with law enforcement, but these types of things shine a positive light on first-responders and the work they do in the community,” he said. “It’s good for the soul.”
Bratcher, a 13-year career firefighter, said it’s essential for the community to come together and honor those who gave their lives, especially on such a milestone anniversary.
“It’s important to pause and remember,” said Bratcher, who was a 16-year-old student in fire school at a Greenwood career center when the attacks of 2001 took place.
Greenfield couple Nile and Donna White were on their way to visit their newest grandchild, who had just been born, when they heard news of the attacks interrupt the music on their car radio on that fateful day 20 years ago.
“That was one hell of a day,” recalled Nile White, who attended the memorial event at the Greenfield FOP on Saturday. “It’s important that we pay our respects.”
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The American Legion Post 119 of Greenfield honored a number of local first responders at this year’s fifth annual Hometown Heroes event, held at the Living Alley in downtown Greenfield.
They included:
Hancock County EMS Of The Year — Adam Foster
Greenfield EMS Of The Year – Claude Hedlund
Greenfield Firefighter Of The Year — Isaiah Faust
Greenfield Law Enforcement Of The Year — Blake Crull
Post 119 Legionnaire Of The Year — David Hine
Each one of their names and accomplishments will be submitted for consideration for the District Of The Year Award in each category, by Indiana American Legion District 10.
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