Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is looking for 343 people to ring the station's fire bell honoring New York City firefighters killed on 9/11.
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department's ceremonial bell, inscribed with the number 343 in honor of the New York City firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The bell was first used by the Detroit Fire Department in 1962 and was gifted to the department in 2019. The public is invited to ring the bell at Fire Station 6 on Friday, Sept. 11, to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks. (City of Fort Walton Beach)

The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department is inviting 343 members of the public to ring the fire bell and sign a guest book at Fire Station 6 on Friday, Sept. 11, in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

  • The ceremony will begin at 7:46 a.m., the exact moment in central time that the first aircraft struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower. The public is welcome to stop by anytime in the morning or afternoon.

“On this 25th anniversary of 9-11, we honor our fellow firefighters, who responded to this terrible tragedy in spite of the dangers they faced and sacrificed their lives for the safety of others,” Battalion Chief Matthew Baxley said.

A large American flag will hang from the ladder truck in front of the station, and the department’s vintage 1946 Chevrolet fire truck will be on display. Chick-fil-A has donated breakfast biscuits for the event.

Fire Station 6 is located at 5 Hollywood Blvd. NE.

The department will also display the large American flag during Fort Walton Beach High School’s football game against Milton High School, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday at Steve Riggs Stadium.

The station’s ceremonial bell was first used by the Detroit Fire Department in 1962 and was gifted to the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department in 2019.

PROMOTION

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