NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service personnel attended a small gathering Monday morning at the fire station to remember the events of Sept. 11 and those lost in the terror attacks.

 

After a minute of silence, Fire Department Chaplain David Anderson led a group prayer.    

 

"Twenty-two years ago, this date September the 11th was seared into America's memory. Nineteen men attacked us with a barbarity unequaled in our nation's history. They murdered people of all colors, creeds, ages, backgrounds, skills, and nationalities," he said. "... We also witnessed something distinctly American: ordinary citizens, rising to the occasion and responding with extraordinary acts of heroism and courage."

 

He recalled the bravery of those trapped in the burning skyscrapers, the bravery of the Pentagon staff who upon escaping the building went back in to save others. He recalled the courage of the passengers on Flight 93 who charged the cockpit saving an untold number of lives on the ground.  

 

And he recalled the bravery of first responders who ran into the carnage, putting their own lives on the line for others.

 

"For many of our citizens, the wounds of that morning, remain fresh. Firefighters police officers and EMS still choke up at the memory of fallen comrades," he said. "Young children and teenagers still long for the parents who will never share the choices of their youth nor guide them to adulthood."

 

He concluded his prayer by asking for the continued protection of North Adams emergency responders. 

 

"And God as we stand here this morning around the flag, we give you thanks for North Adams Firefighters, Police, and EMS. We thank you for the selfless acts of courage and compassion that are displayed every single day for the citizens of our area," he said. "I pray that your watch, care and  protection remain upon all of the remarkable men and women who serve our city."

 

Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre then read the "Firefighter's Prayer," interim Police Chief Mark Bailey read the "Police Officers' Prayer," and Northern Berkshire EMS General Manager John Meaney read the "EMS Prayer."

 

Later that day, first responders met at the station for lunch served by Anderson.