Midway Fire Rescue holds tribute to honor the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–First responders in Georgetown County gathered today at Midway Fire Rescue to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“Today, we were reminded of all those who made their ultimate sacrifice that day, whether they arrived on a firetruck, police car, or ambulance or even civilians who pitched in and helped out,” said Brent McClellan, Midway fire chief.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijackers crashed four planes into the World Trade Center in New York, The Pentagon in Washington, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania.

News 2 spoke to Chief James Crawford, who was on call to work that day, and he told us he had no idea what he was up against until he got to the scene.

“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Our country was attacked at the immediate time. I was a firefighter with Pittsburgh, so we were responding there to help as much as we could, and then after that, I didn’t know if I’d be deployed to war. It was just a very, very troubling time.”

Officials News 2 spoke to told us first responders are always on the frontline, and that day is the ultimate example of their bravery and commitment.

“The firefighters were only in the towers because people needed rescue. The building was on fire, and they were just out doing what they swore they would do. They promised to help people and save people, and that’s exactly what they did that day,” said Keith Ziegenhorn, master firefighter for Midway Fire.

Officials are inviting the public to view the memorial at the fire station. It will be open all day and is free of charge.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.