Carson City pays respects with words, prayer at 9-11 remembrance Wednesday at Mills Park

Several hundred made their way Wednesday evening to the 9-11 Memorial at Mills Park for a remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks on American soil, paying tribute to those who lost their lives with words, song, prayer and hope.

The program was hosted by Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship and organized by Carson City Calvary Chapel's Pastor Patrick Propster. There was an Honor Guard and POST Colors presentation, music from Calvary Chapel musicians, and prayer from Salvation Army's Captain Mark Cyr, Nick Emery, Bruce Henderson and Charlie Colleton. The speakers included Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong, and Carson City Fire Chief Sean Slamon.

Here's some of the remarks below.

Pastor Pat Propster
"Our heartfelt prayers tonight are going out to all of the families that were involved in that act of terrorism on 911. But more so, our hearts in prayer are to comfort those of every race, every creed, and every religion that were affected in those towers. And we call upon our Lord to bring comfort and to bring peace."

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell
"Today we remember, mourn and pay homage to those who were so brutally taken from us and their loved one —loved ones who will forever live with the pain of their loss — to let them know that they are not alone and that we will always remember their sacrifice.

Today we remember and pay homage to the valiant efforts of our first responders on that fateful day, many of whom lost their lives in their selfless devotion and service to others.

Today we also remember the adversity and pain that our community suffered on September 6, 2011 when four people, including three members of the Nevada National Guard, were killed and several others wounded by a crazed gunman at the IHOP restaurant. The obelisk across the way is a constant reminder of that day and the heroic efforts of our first responders tending to those in need.

Today we remember that evil and cruelty continue to exist in this world, a reminder that as we go about our daily lives we must remain vigilant to protect us from the hostility of those who seek to destroy our nation and our way of life.

Today we reaffirm to keep the spirit of those who were lost or injured on both September 11 and September 6 in our hearts for eternity.

Today we remember and indeed celebrate the strength of our nation and its people to withstand adversity, a strength that will never be diminished by senseless acts of terrorism no matter how horrific or cruel.

And today we celebrate the basic goodness of the American people who every day can be seen helping those in need, even at the expense of their own lives. Examples of the basic goodness and respect for humanity can be seen in the actions of our first responders, who, without fear of losing their own lives, braved unimaginable horror to save the lives of others on that terrible day 18 years ago. It is also seen in the actions of the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who died fighting the terrorists in the air, thereby denying the use of the plane to kill others on the ground, which many believed was on a mission to destroy the White House and its occupants.

In preparing for this speech today, my friend, Pastor Pat Propster, called my attention to Psalm 12-21 of the Book of Romans where it is written: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

To me, and I would hope to all of us, that verse embodies the importance of not only who we are as Americans, but the values and ideals we hold so dear as a nation and community.

Our community is a shining example of this basic goodness and our respect for the cause of humanity, whether it be our law enforcement members risking their own lives to save the life of a child held hostage at gun point or our fire department personnel saving the life of a child from a burning apartment.

Indeed, apart from our first responders, our community citizens everyday go about advancing the cause of humanity, maybe not in harm’s way, but with pride and compassion. Pride and compassion that makes for a strong sense of community. Pride and compassion that reminds us that we are not alone in this world. Pride and compassion that daily reminds us of what makes America and our community great.

So today as we retire to our homes and families for the evening, let us remember and never forget those who have suffered and those who are suffering still from the horrendous acts of evil that were visited upon our nation and community on September 11, 2001 and September 6, 2011.

Let us also remember to pay tribute to, and care for, those we send in harm’s way to do the heavy lifting for us when the going gets tough.

And in closing, let us also give thanks for the opportunity to live in the greatest nation on Earth and the common bond of basic human kindness that makes us a great nation.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong:
The events of 9-11, while specific by date, set in motion an era of change in the way we live, work, play, and protect our country; on that date America as we once knew changed.

In the wake of the 9-11 attack on America, from the law enforcement sector, 1 vacationing officer was killed on board the aircraft that was crashed into the field at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, while he and other passengers attempted to regain control of the plane in an effort to avoid another terrorist strike. 71 more officers were killed at the two World Trade Center buildings and dozens have died in the years following as a direct result of illnesses contracted while working in the hazardous conditions following the attacks. In all, 10 different law enforcement agencies who responded into the disasters lost officers, brothers and sisters.

None shall ever be left behind nor forgotten. The heroic actions of so many first responders and citizens alike —though it would cost them their lives — saved thousands upon thousands of others. And at the end of the day, they had left behind families and friends broken by the losses. With all of the casualties that were suffered on 9-11, there remained no corner in this country, let alone the world, that was not directly affected by this vicious terrorist attack.

In the days, weeks, and years that followed 9-11, we recognized that our preparedness required direct attention; the need to enhance our public safety communications; the need to streamline and improve our intelligence circuits; the need to better equip our first responders; and, the need to recognize that in so many circumstances, it is the general public, the average citizen, both young and older, that is the first responding life saver for many that were, are, and will be in peril.

Today, those enhancements continue to be attended to. Right here in Carson City, advanced first aid techniques are routinely taught, not just to first responders, but in our local schools, businesses, and government institutions. Advanced communications and the sharing of critical information is solid here with our state and federal counterparts. And while no one can predict a future, we here in this community are driven to safeguard everyone in every venue.

I am so very proud that Carson City became one of the many locations across America that would create a monument of similar composition to our fallen heroes in the form of the steel beams recovered from the rubble of the Twin Towers. It is a symbol of remembrance here in Nevada’s State Capital of that tragic day and to all of those who were lost and impacted.

Yet to me, these steel beams also represent all that is good and American made — from the fallen many, to the heroes of that day, and to the very American industries that designed and erected the magnificent Towers, this is a nation of resolve and fortitude. The very fabric of this great nation is symbolized here.

The blood that was shed on 9-11 must never be forgotten — for once forgotten, we are destined to relive that tragic history. We must always remain vigilant to the tragedy and be prepared as a nation, and as a community, to respond to the most unspeakable and often unimaginable acts of terror. As we are here today, this is far more than a memorial to the fallen and injured of 9-11; it is a day, and a day of prayer, that promotes our national vigilance, our preparedness, and our determination.

I pause and reflect on those lessons learned, and our own local responses: It was the week of the 10 year anniversary of 9-11 when our own walls were cracked. On September 6th, 2011, a crazed lone gunman created one of the worst disasters ever to have fallen on this community.

Both military and civilians in a local restaurant were attacked, and Carson City was thrusted into the international light for the possibility of another 9-11 event on its anniversary. Three of the four lost that day were members of our Nevada National Guard, who were meeting that morning to make final arrangements for the possibility of future attacks — and there, at their brief meeting, they lost their lives. 9-11 and September 6th, 2011, have deep impacts on this community, and I thank you all for being here in their remembrance.

Honoring the tragic losses of the 9-11 attack, we recall the names of those killed on September 6th: Major Heath Kelly, Sgt. First Class Miranda McElhiney, Sgt. First Class Christian Reige, and Ms. Florence Donovan-Gunderson.

Because of 9-11, our local and regional fire, medical, and law enforcement elements work closer together for joint agency responses to all types of. We are stronger today for the losses of our friends, and today, we are better prepared.

Carson City Fire Chief Sean Slamon
By now most all of us have the numbers ingrained into our heads. September 11th. 3,000 total lives lost that day. 343 firefighters and 60 police officers killed in the World Trade Center collapse. It’s hard to believe that today is the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Eighteen years becomes a significant anniversary. As this will be the first high school graduating class where the majority of graduating students were not born on September 11th , 2001.

I believe that recognizing and remembering is more important than ever. As with years past I will focus my comments more toward the personal side.

The past few years I have talked about several of the New York firefighters who were killed on September 11th when the towers collapsed. I believe it is important that we not only remember the events but that we learn about the people.

The Heroes. Those who gave their lives that day in an effort to save others. This year I am going to talk about a firefighter who survived that day. A firefighter who just retired last year, 17 years after 9-11. That firefighter is recently retired Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Pfeifer. Chief Pfeifer was an on duty Battalion Chief on September 11th.

Chief Pfeifer was on a gas leak call about a block away from the World Trade Center when they heard a large plane flying overhead. This was very unusual because of the large buildings in lower Manhattan prevented commercial planes from flying over that area.

Chief Pfeifer looked up and saw the plane crash into the North Tower. The Chief immediately reported to incident to dispatch and responded to the North Tower. Chief Pfeifer was the initial Incident Commander and was responsible for establishing a Rescue Plan and he was responsible for sending his firefighters into the towers to begin the rescue efforts.

One of those firefighters was his brother. Kevin Pfeifer was the Lieutenant on Engine 33 that fateful day. Lieutenant Kevin Pfeifer following the orders of his brother, ascended the stairs of the North Tower and began rescuing citizens who were still in the tower. Lieutenant Pfeifer and his crew from Engine 33 never made it back out of the towers. All 5 members of Engine 33 were killed that day.

But their deaths and the deaths of 343 Firefighters were not in vain. It is estimated that over 20,000 people were evacuated and rescued by firefighters.

Chief Pfeifer who was eligible to retire a few weeks before 9-11 continued to work. He knew his job was not done and he owed it to every firefighter in the FDNY to do everything he could to prepare for and prevent another attack like this from happening again.

Shortly after 9-11, Chief Pfeifer developed FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness, which worked to bridge the gaps between fire and law officials. Chief Pfeifer became a national expert in preparedness and response to terrorist attacks. Through his leadership and resilience the FDNY was able to rebuild and recover from the darkest day in their history.

Chief Pfeifer went on to serve the FDNY for another 17 years after 9-11. He retired as an Assistant Chief of the Department.

I share the story of Chief Pfeifer with you today because I believe it is not only important to recognize the tragedy and sacrifices made that day, but it is equally important to share the stories of resilience that arose from that day.

As Americans I believe our greatest character trait is resilience.

No matter how many times we get knocked down, we always get back up. Today as we pause to Remember and Never Forget 9-11, I ask that each of you pause to reflect on what is truly important. Hug your kids, tell your parents you love them, say hi to a stranger. Perform a random act of kindness.

I ask you to do this in honor of those who we lost on that day and for those brave warriors of our military that have lost their lives fighting the wars on terror.

While we mourn those we lost I also ask another favor. I ask that you also remember how 9-11 brought our country together. In the days and years after that fateful day. The Pride in our country and the civility that followed was a true testament of our resolve and our character as a nation.

And as I look at what is happening in our country today I fear we are losing sight of the pride and civility that makes our country the Greatest Country in the World.

So I ask that each of you do your part. Take pride in all of the great things our country provides us. Don’t focus on the imperfections. It is easy to be critical of what could be better.

Take the higher and more difficult road. Take pride in what is right. And even more importantly resolve to work together to fix what is not right.

We owe that to all who have lost their lives on 9-11. We owe that to all of our military personnel who never made it home while protecting our freedoms and the freedoms of others.

And we owe it to ourselves.