Oakville Fire honours the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorial stair climb

This morning, the Oakville Fire Department (OFD) held a memorial event to honour the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The event, held at the Oakville Training Campus for Emergency Excellence, commemorated and honoured the lives of the courageous firefighters who sacrificed their lives to rescue hundreds of civilians during the attacks. It was attended by members of OFD and the Oakville Professional Fire Fighters Association, along with Members of Council. 

The event included an opportunity for OFD members to share where they were when they heard the news and how it impacted their lives. Firefighters were then invited to climb the Fire Fit Tower 20 times, followed by a tire-flipping challenge across the training campus. Later in the morning, all OFD members stood at attention at their respective stations for a moment of silence. 

This year’s event was especially significant, as many of Oakville’s newer firefighters were too young to remember, or not yet born in, 2001. Hearing from OFD members who were active during 9/11 helped pass down the history and culture of the fire service leaving a lasting impact on younger members. 

Quotes

“Twenty-five years later, September 11 still shapes who we are as firefighters. Today, we gathered in remembrance to honour the victims of the attacks, recognize the courage of those who risked their lives in the rescue and recovery efforts, and express our appreciation for the first responders who continue to serve our communities. It’s especially important for our newest members to carry this day forward and continue to honour it long after those of us who lived through it are gone.” 
– Fire Chief Paul Bossionneault 

“A total of 343 firefighters gave their lives as heroes wanting to save the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Their sacrifice took the total toll of death up to 2,977 people. This is a day to appreciate what was given and what was lost.” 
– Mayor Rob Burton