“We Should Never Forget.”
Those were the September 11 words of Santa Monica Fire Department Captain Graham to the firefighters assembled in front of Station No. 1 on 7th Street just before 7 a.m. to commemorate those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The brief and solemn remembrance ceremony took place simultaneously at each of the City’s four fire stations, keyed by a signal broadcast over the department radio in the fire engine parked on the apron. Firefighters saluted as the flag was lowered to half-staff, Cpt. Graham offered his remarks, the assembly dispersed and the station went about its daily business.
Less than 10 minutes later, the alarm sounded and six firefighters rolled out in two vehicles on a cardiac arrest call. Standing in the bay, Chief Shirk noted that 70 percent of the fire department’s calls are medical, but it remains prepared for any emergency.
