911 Tribute

City of Painesville Police & Fire Departments to Host 9/11 Ceremony and Dedication of Memorial & Meditation Garden Painesville, Ohio - The Painesville Police and Fire Departments will host a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony commemorating the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and will feature the dedication of a 9/11 Memorial and Meditation Garden, highlighted by a steel beam taken from ground zero. It is estimated over 90,000 police, firefighters and EMTs helped with the search and rescue efforts on 9/11. “This ceremony is in remembrance of those that sacrificed their lives that tragic day and to offer praise to our military, police officers and firefighters who for the good of others, dedicate their lives protecting the people of this great nation”, said Police Chief Troy Hager. This past February, the Police and Fire departments obtained World Trade Center artifacts from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Fire Chief Mark Mlachak stated “It is our desire to give the artifacts a permanent home so that the public can not only view a piece of the twin towers, but to serve as a constant reminder of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001”. Through the generosity of the community, over $13,000 has been received towards the creation of the Memorial and Meditation Garden. Construction is underway and will be completed in time for the dedication ceremony. The department is now focusing their fundraising efforts on Phase 2 of the memorial; public education. Plans to position an interactive computer station within the fire department that will allow visitors to view a video and digitally browse profiles and photographs of the fallen, newspaper coverage of the attacks and images of nationwide tributes to those that perished fighting for our country since 9/11. The ceremony, less than an hour, includes a traditional rifle salute and a bell ringing ceremony in memory of the fallen firefighters and police officers. Event will pay homage to the extraordinary heroism, commitment and sacrifice of 9/11 victims and emergency first responders, pay special tribute to those that lost their lives serving our country since 9/11 and proudly recognize the brave men and women who protect and serve our community everyday. This is a public ceremony; the community is encouraged to attend. Event will take place at the Painesville City Fire Department located at 28 Mentor Avenue on Sunday, September 11th at 5:00 p.m.