Firefighters staged events throughout the nation to remember those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon. A fourth plane involved in the largest attack on American soil was downed in a Pennsylvania field by passengers who stormed the hijackers before they could reach their intended target, believed to be the White House.

The anniversary of the attacks was observed with the U.S. Flag being ceremoniously raised to half-staff in a ceremony; at 6:59 a.m., a tone was broadcast over the fire radio followed by four sets of five bells. A minute of silence followed to coincide with the collapse of the south tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Bells are traditionally used by the fire service to commemorate firefighters who have lost their lives on the job; 343 firefighters and paramedics were killed on 9/11, as were 23 New York City Police Officers and 37 Port Authority Police Officers. In all, the attacks killed almost 3,000 people.

Santa Paula’s observance included a moment of silence and the display of an artifact, a piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center obtained by the SPFD. The SPFD is the only department in Ventura County to have such a poignant artifact acquired in 2008 from the New Jersey/New York Port Authority. 

The steel artifact, weighing about 75 pounds, 19 inches high and 1.5 inch thick, was displayed on an easel for the 9/11 Observance.