The Crookston Fire Department, Auxiliary, and families finished their 19th annual 9-11 memorial display on Thursday night to honor the fallen firefighters, police officers, EMS, and other first responders that died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. They have a display at both the main station and a mural at the north station.
“We haven’t missed a year yet,” said Crookston Fire Chief Tim Froeber. “It is pretty much a whole fired department event and a combined effort of everybody. They come up with a basic plan and add as they go. Every year they amaze me on how they change stuff up a little bit and it turns out really nice.”
This year’s display has boots and helmets in a heart and they represent the Crookston Firefighters. “It is for those that protect Crookston and the surrounding territory,” said Froeber. “There is a boot or a helmet for each one of the firefighters.”
9-11 is always a tough day, especially when the first responders were just doing their job. “They marched into those buildings or wherever they were,” said Froeber. “Tragedy struck and we all know something like that can happen, but we are just here to do what we do, to help serve and protect the people. We all know tragedy can come at any time.”
Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks and the Crookston Fire Department is planning their biggest display yet. “It will be by far our largest display at both stations,” said Froeber. “My heart goes out to the families of those affected, whether they were civilians or first responders. It is pretty heart wrenching and we are going to do this as long as I am around and like the sign says, we will never forget.”
