First responders honored at National Harbor for 9/11

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Dozens of Prince George’s County first responders were honored Wednesday night at the National Harbor for 9/11.

From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., the National Harbor hosted various activities to honor police, firefighters, EMTs and the Prince George’s County Fire Department and its K-9 units.

Prince George’s County Deputy Fire Chief, James E. McClelland, said it felt good to see first responders receive recognition.

“It is nice people want to recognize us for our service and it’s a hard day even 23 years later and we are still recognizing those who made the supreme sacrifice that fateful day 23 years ago,” McClelland said.

John Trevino and his wife were visiting National Harbor from San Antonio, Texas, and attended the 9/11 ceremony. Honoring first responders hits home for Trevino as he is a school resource officer.

“Without all the men and women who serve and protect us, we wouldn’t have all this today, and I find that very honorable,” Trevino said. “It warms my heart because we signed up to do this job to serve and protect the community and for the community to say thank you for what you do is for protecting us is wonderful.”

During the ceremony, two Prince George’s County fire trucks crossed their ladders hanging an American Flag to honor lives lost on 9/11.

The event was very touching to Captain Calvin Tyson from the Prince George’s County Police Department. He said when 9/11 happened, it inspired him to become a police officer.

“It’s nice being honored and humbling especially today I remember where I was 23 years ago as a student at the University of Maryland and when I found out what happened on 9/11, I knew what I wanted to do,” Tyson said.

According to event organizers, at least 160 people attended the activities.

First responders and their families were given a free dinner to honor their service, prizes were also given to police officers and firefighters.

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