Vernon and North Okanagan

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

The sun shone on Vernon’s firefighters Tuesday morning as they honoured the nearly 3000 emergency responders and victims who were lost in the 9-11 attacks eleven years ago. Firefighters were joined by members of the RCMP, city council and a few local residents at the Fire Station on 30th Street at 9:45 a.m.

“Of the almost 3000 victims of that fateful day, 411 were emergency responders. The bravery they showed is an example to all of us and the sacrifice they made was an example of their dedication,” said Vernon Firefighter Doug Imrich.

“They showed the hallmark of our chosen professions. Heroism, bravery and dedication. We’ll never forget their courage and their sacrifice.”

Seven years ago firefighters from across North America representing the Firefighters Leadership of Canada and The United States declared Sept. 11 to be an international day of mourning. Vernon firefighters also used this anniversary to pay tribute to Captain Daniel Botkin, who lost his life during a fire and explosion at Sperlich Log Construction.

Photo: Contributed

Capt. Dan Botkin is shown with his wife on the handout used for his memorial service.

“Each year we continue to mourn the loss of emergency responders throughout North America. Tragically on December 29, 2011 we lost Enderby firefighter Dan Botkin,” said Imrich.

“The line-of-duty death of an emergency responder leaves a gaping hole, in not only the families, but in their communities.”

“Besides the horrific events of September 11, 2001, every year we continue to add to the number of emergency service workers who answer their last call. If not from tragic circumstances from workplace accidents, training evolutions, many of them are being attributed to occupational cancers and disease,” said Chief Green.

Chaplain David MacBain spoke to the religious element of the ceremony. A Vernon firefighter rang the bell out front of the station three times and a minute of silence was observed.

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling