YFD honoring the hundreds of first responders lost on September 11
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, the City of Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is coming together to remember the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, with several events that are open to the public.
Saturday, YFD invites the community to join in a time of solidarity for the first responders who died on one of the darkest days in U.S. history.
Firefighters will begin the morning by climbing the stairs at the Pancrazi building on fourth avenue. They pay tribute to the firefighters who did the same on 9/11 in the twin towers.
“Its all just in recognition to bring a little more attention to and remind people that after 20 years we know that many people are alive today that weren’t at that time. We have adults that All they ever know is in a way of anniversaries,” said Mike Erfert, YFD public information officer.
A 20th Anniversary ceremony will take place at 9 A.M. featuring a full color guard made up of personnel from YFD and the Yuma Police Department (YPD).
Before the 9 A.M. ceremony, there will be a 5K run. You can register in front of the heritage library starting at 6:30 Saturday morning.
Another run will start at fire station three. Firefighters plan to make the trek to station one in time for the ceremony. The run will raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers foundation.
“That run is in remembrance of Stephen Siller where he had just been coming off duty in new york. Had a stop at the tunnel and took his gear and ran from there to the towers where he went help and it eventually took his life,” Erfert explained.
The event will also feature community performances and a face painter for the children. 20th-anniversary tee shirts will also be available. Proceeds raised will go to the United Yuma Firefighters Association.
