FDNY Battalion Chief Offers Moving Memoir During 9/11 Commemoration
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U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Lewis Hunsaker
FDNY Battalion Chief Offers Moving Memoir During 9/11 Commemoration
By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker
NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security student, Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) Battalion Chief Kevin Harrison, left, and Capt. Kevin Bertelsen, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Monterey, place a wreath on the 9/11 Memorial during a commemoration ceremony in remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11 at NPS’ Centennial Park, Sept. 12.
“First, I would like to say thank you for taking some time to honor and commemorate 9/11. It’s been 15 years since that fateful day. In some ways, it’s been a blink of an eye, in other ways it feels like 100 years,” said Harrison. “I’m sure most of you, like myself, remember exactly where you were that day.”
Harrison was at home preparing for a promotional exam with some his fellow firemen. As the events unfolded, they realized this event was something very different, and for the first time ever, the New York City Fire Department recalled everyone.
“We responded into New York City, which was a blur of activity. Everything blended together … Lots of information, rumors and news, some good but a lot bad,” recalled Harrison. “But through those early days, you could feel it. You could feel the slow deliberate resolve building. We would recover somehow, someway.”
From the day following the attack, FDNY seemed to have the support of the entire country behind it, said Harrison. “The NYC Fire Department is probably one the best prepared, equipped and trained homeland security assets in the country,” he said. “But that was only possible because of each and every one of you. It was awe inspiring to see the help that we received.”
Now 15 years later, Harrison said, the department continues to be the beneficiary of tremendous support from the general public.
“In closing, I would like to make a pledge both personally, and for my agency, that in your time of need, in your dark hour, the New York City Fire Department will be there for you. My hope is that we can maintain and demonstrate the high level of help and aid that you gave us.”
NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security student, Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) Battalion Chief Kevin Harrison, left, and Capt. Kevin Bertelsen, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Monterey, place a wreath on the 9/11 Memorial during a commemoration ceremony in remembrance of the 15th anniversary of 9/11 at NPS’ Centennial Park, Sept. 12.
“First, I would like to say thank you for taking some time to honor and commemorate 9/11. It’s been 15 years since that fateful day. In some ways, it’s been a blink of an eye, in other ways it feels like 100 years,” said Harrison. “I’m sure most of you, like myself, remember exactly where you were that day.”
Harrison was at home preparing for a promotional exam with some his fellow firemen. As the events unfolded, they realized this event was something very different, and for the first time ever, the New York City Fire Department recalled everyone.
“We responded into New York City, which was a blur of activity. Everything blended together … Lots of information, rumors and news, some good but a lot bad,” recalled Harrison. “But through those early days, you could feel it. You could feel the slow deliberate resolve building. We would recover somehow, someway.”
From the day following the attack, FDNY seemed to have the support of the entire country behind it, said Harrison. “The NYC Fire Department is probably one the best prepared, equipped and trained homeland security assets in the country,” he said. “But that was only possible because of each and every one of you. It was awe inspiring to see the help that we received.”
Now 15 years later, Harrison said, the department continues to be the beneficiary of tremendous support from the general public.
“In closing, I would like to make a pledge both personally, and for my agency, that in your time of need, in your dark hour, the New York City Fire Department will be there for you. My hope is that we can maintain and demonstrate the high level of help and aid that you gave us.”