PFD holds second annual 9/11 Tribute

The Pegram Fire Department (PFD) gathered the community on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 11 in an effort to honor and remember the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City 23 years ago. 

PFD Lt. Taylor Davidson established the inaugural 9/11 Tribute at Pegram Park in 2023, and noted that this year, the event was double in size. 

“First and foremost when I was planning this event, I wanted to be sure that it was centered around honoring those that were lost on 9/11,” Davidson said. “I also see it as a great way to bring awareness and remembrance of the day while bringing the community together.” 

To honor the victims of 9/11, the PFD had badges made for each of the 343 firefighters who died with a photo, name and the words "never forget" on them. Everyone who participated in the tribute walked around the half mile track with a badge and then said the name of the firefighter they walked for into the PA system. 

The community lined up to take a badge with the photo and name of one of the 343 FDNY who died on Sept. 11, 2001. / PFD

“I think that it is important for the names to be spoken and heard so the names are not forgotten and their stories live on,” Davidson said. “The badges go home with the participants and I encourage them to look up the names and learn about these heroes and their families.” 

This year, PFD sold custom t-shirts. All the profits from the shirts went to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation which was created in honor of New York Fire Department Firefighter Stephen Siller who died during the Sept. 11 attacks. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families. 

“The terrorists of 9/11 wanted to turn this day into a dark day full of hatred,” Davidson said. “Our goal is to bring the community together with love and connection. By honoring these heroes together, we not only grow as a community, but we bring light into the darkness of the world.”