Hillside FMBA — September 11— On Thursday, the Hillside FMBA observed solemn remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Twenty-four years after that day, the sense of loss continues, but so does respect for the courage and unity shown in its wake.

The memorial honored the 2,977 lives lost in the attacks, among them 343 firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, and 37 Port Authority officers, all of whom died serving others. Their sacrifice remains a central part of the day’s observance.

In the emergency services community, 9/11 holds special meaning. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and rescue personnel see in that tragedy a call to service. Each time a pager sounds or a rescue is mounted, the memory of that day and the values it underscored—duty, sacrifice, togetherness—resonate among responders.