On September 11, the Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a community-focused memorial. The department hosted an honour guard march and a tower climb at the Williams Lake Fire Hall to honor the 343 New York City firefighters lost in the tragedy.
The 17,150-stair tribute to the 343
The Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) designed its memorial to be a physically demanding act of remembrance that mirrors the scale of the 2001 tragedy. To honor the 343 New York City firefighters who perished, the department set an ambitious goal of 343 total ascents on the WLFD tower. This collective effort, which included community members, resulted in a total of 17,150 stairs climbed.
The atmosphere at the Williams Lake Fire Hall was somber, underscored by the playing of Alan Jackson's "Where were you when the world stopped turnin' that September day?" during the preparations. As the report states, the climb served as a visceral, physical connection between the local community and the sacrifice made by the FDNY decades ago.
Don Firth and Evan Dean's memories of 2001
For the leadership at the Williams Lake Fire Department, the anniversary is a deeply personal reflection on their own professional journeys. Captain Don Firth, who is entering his 26th year of service, described the emotional weight of the day, noting that the attacks were a profound shock during his early years in the fire service. Firth recalled how the news arrived after he had returned home from work, leaving him to process the evolving tragedy with the help of a friend.
Fire Chief Evan Dean also shared a personal connection to the date, recalling how the news of the attacks interrupted his first day of university. He remembered being awoken by his father , only to find that his sociology class was shortly thereafter cancelleed. These personal anecdotes highlight how the events of September 11, 2001, remain a foundational and heavy memory for current first responders.
Funding ceremonial axes and honour guard uniforms
Beyond the physical act of climbing, the event at the Williams Lake Fire Hall functioned as a fundraiser for essential departmental traditions. Through a barbecue and apparatus tours, the WLFD sought to raise money for specific ceremonial needs. According to the report, the proceeds are earmarked for the purchase of dedicated honour guard uniforms and memorial casket flags.
Captain Firth also noted that the department intends to use the funds to acquire a ceremonial fire axe. This specific tool would be carried by firefighters during funeral services, serving as a symbol of dignity and respect for fallen colleagues. The fundraising effort ensures that the department can maintain the formal traditions required to honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice.
The question of future public involvement in Williams Lake
While the event was a success, it marked a significant shift in how the Williams Lake Fire Department engages with its neighbors, as it was the first time the department officially invited the public to join the tower climb. This move from a closed departmental ceremony to a community-wide event raises questions about the department's long-term engagement strategy.
It remains unconfirmed whether the WLFD intends to make this public invitation a permanent annual fixture or if the 25th anniversary was a unique occasion for broader participation. additionally, while the department has expressed a clear desire to purchase a ceremonial axe, the specific timeline for these acquisitions and the total amount of funds required remain unverified.
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