TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First responders from across the Big Bend gathered in Leon County on Tuesday for a ceremony meant to say thank you — and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office held its annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon one day before the anniversary of Sept. 11, bringing law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders together for a day of recognition.
“You know, this is a special event here that the Sheriff’s Office puts on. It’s amazing to be recognized and especially at this time of year surrounding 9/11,” said Anthony Espinosa of the Tallahassee Fire Department.
Hundreds of first responders and community leaders attended.
Sheriff Walt McNeil said the luncheon is also about strengthening connections between agencies — something he said the events of Sept. 11 reinforced.
“9/11 taught us all lessons that it takes all of us to engage. And I want to make sure that our firefighters and our EMTs understand that and get as much recognition that you so richly deserve,” McNeil said.
Twenty-five years after the attacks, sacrifice remained a theme throughout the afternoon. Florida state Sen. and former FSU football star, Corey Simon, was today’s guest speaker.
“You get a call. You don’t know what you’re walking into. You don’t know who’s going to be there. You don’t know how bad it’s going to be But you go anyway,” Simon said.
For Espinosa, the message was personal. Originally from New York, he said the upcoming Sept. 11 anniversary hits close to home.
“And so it hits close to home knowing what those men and women gave up for their family, for their country,” Espinosa said.
Twenty-five years later, speakers emphasized, the legacy of those sacrifices continues to shape the first responders who answer the call today.