COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Current and retired first responders gathered at Cherry Hill Park on Friday to mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks, a day that fundamentally changed the trajectory of American emergency services and left an indelible mark on those who answered the call.
The memorial ceremony brought together firefighters and police officers, many of whom knew people who died that day. As bagpipes echoed through the park, the gathering served as both a moment of remembrance and a recognition of the ongoing sacrifices made by first responders.
The 9/11 memorial at Cherry Hill Park was installed 20 years ago as a permanent reminder to think about the tragedy not just on the anniversary, but every day.
Fire Marshal Craig Etherton of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department emphasized the significance of the annual observance. “It was a massive event and it has really shaped our history from that point on. So I think it’s important to always make sure that we’re remembering, but particularly important on the day,” Etherton said.
Beyond remembrance, Etherton pointed to a critical challenge that extends the impact of 9/11 far beyond that single day. “Firefighters often times have a short retirement. We have a large preponderance for cancer being just part of the job so sometimes we don’t have our retired guys for very long,” he said.
This reality made Friday’s ceremony especially meaningful. The presence of retired first responders at the event allowed current firefighters to honor their commitment and learn from those who built the department’s legacy. For many in attendance, the day carried deeply personal significance.
Retired Battalion Chief Pete Vandall, who attended the ceremony, wears a bracelet honoring firefighter Andrew Fredricks, whom he met during a training session years before the attacks. “I always think about him every time I see the bracelet. He was a super firefighter. He didn’t deserve it,” Vandall said.
Firefighters and officers in attendance today expressed their commitment to carrying on the legacy of those who helped build their departments across the country—and to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to save someone else.
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