The Town of Lynnfield held its annual First Responders Day last Thursday evening on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks at the Common.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan began the evening’s ceremony. After discussing the events of the 9/11 attacks, Dolan said, “although it was the greatest tragedy in American history, it unified our country and brought us all together.”
He gave a shoutout to the “brave men and women” in Lynnfield’s Police and Fire departments. Dolan said they “are second to none, and they come to work every day hoping for peace, but expecting the call that takes (them) into an unknown place to save a life… I want to thank them for their service every day.”
Rev. Thomas Bentley from Centre Congregational Church led the group in prayer.
“Yes, we wish to remember and mourn, and certainly in our grief we feel the injustice and the corruption of that violent morning, but help us now to acknowledge the great pride, the great sacrifice of those who sought to help and save that day,” Bentley said. “Their lives shine out through the smoke and poison of that ground zero.”
The Lynnfield Boy Scouts led the Presentation of Colors before the Lynnfield Girl Scout Nora Andreoli led her troop in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lynnfield High School senior Heavenly Claypool then sang the national anthem.
Dolan then asked those in attendance to remain standing so he could recognize two longtime Lynnfield residents who died in the 9/11 attacks: Ace Bailey and Sean Lynch.
Fire Chief Glenn Davis explained the reasoning for the bell ceremony.
“The fire service of today is everchanging, but it’s steeped in tradition more than 200 years old. One such tradition is the sound of a bell,” he said. “In the past, as firefighters began their tour of duty, it was the bell that signaled the beginning of that day’s shift.
“Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. And when the fire was out, and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled the completion of that call.”
He continued, “When a firefighter had died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrade’s passing. We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have given so much and have served so well.”
Davis explained that “the tolling of the bells five times with four repetitions is how the New York City Fire Department announces the line of duty death of a firefighter,” and the bell taps were then performed.
Lynnfield Police Chief Nick Secatore said “working as a first responder in the Town of Lynnfield is a special, extraordinary job.” He also praised one of the Town’s police officers, who “has been selected to receive a governor’s award for valor and bravery.”
“No matter the incident, the Town of Lynnfield has dedicated professionals that will come and respond with pride and selflessly,” Secatore said.
Secatore also said, specifically regarding the 9/11 attacks, “Everyone has their own way of honoring our heroes. Please take a moment in your way to remember the men and women in all uniforms who serve this great community and who serve the United States of America.”
Next up was Select Board Chair Phil Crawford, who said, “in many ways, our first responders embody the very best of American spirit. With charity and compassion, these brave men and women regularly put the well-being of others before their own, (which is) oftentimes a great personal risk.”
He continued, “Through their actions, they have become heroes to many, and through example, they are role models to all.”
Bentley closed the ceremony with another prayer. This was followed by a performance of “God Bless America,” which was sung by Air Force Veteran Sgt. Ron Small.
