Imperial Valley reflects on 9/11

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - 25 years later, flags across the Imperial Valley are lowered to half-staff in honor of the first responders, civilians, and everyday heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Local first responders are taking the time Friday to remember the men and women who ran toward danger and never came home.

For El Centro firefighters, it is a stark reminder of what it takes to answer the call and how they continue to honor the fallen.

"We're getting on the engine, responding to every call, whatever comes in, and that's how we honor the fallen. We keep their memory alive by continuing to do what they did day in and day out," El Centro Fire Department Acting Captain and Engineer Mathew Zinn told Channel 11.

"First and foremost in any law enforcement or first responder field, I think it takes heart," he said.

The community will honor first responders at the 9/11 stair climb on Saturday at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds.

"It's the 13th annual anniversary of our local stair climb," Zinn said. Zinn also serves on the 9/11 Stair Climb Committee.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 7:40 p.m.

"We put it together 13 years ago to honor 9/11 in our own way that we do here in the Imperial Valley.

For local firefighters, this anniversary is about remembering the past and making sure that future generations never forget the sacrifice that was made 25 years ago.