ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando firefighters and community members gathered at Fire Station One to honor 404 first responders who died after responding to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, continuing a candlelight remembrance tradition that began in 2002.
The Orlando Fire Department ceremony included 404 candles, each representing a first responder who died on Sept. 11. The tradition began with a single white candle for the FDNY chaplain and has grown to include hundreds of red and blue candles for fallen crews.
Alan Hirschkorn, a retired New York Fire Department inspector, said the anniversary remains difficult 25 years later. Hirschkorn said he lost several people close to him that day and continues to recover from long-term health problems connected to his response at Ground Zero.
“I’m crying because the post traumatic stress, the hurt is very very bad. It’s 25 years now,” Hirschkorn said.
Hirschkorn said part of his recovery includes a message he tells himself daily.
“Alan, God’s not finished with you yet. You have a mission to do, and I’m still here,” he said.
Shannon Teamer, interim fire chief for the Orlando Fire Department, said the ceremony gives the community a way to remember the firefighters and pay respects.
“Them coming to join us during the ceremony, remembering those firefighters but also getting to reflect and pay their respects, super important for us to allow that to happen,” Teamer said.
The department also used the ceremony to teach the next generation of first responders about the sacrifices connected to the job.
“It’s important to carry on what they gave, remember the importance of it all, honor their traditions and continue to serve as they did,” said Brittany Mogged, recruitment officer for the Orlando Fire Department.
As part of the ceremony, the Orlando Fire Department paid tribute to FDNY Firefighter Michael Arriaga, who died from illnesses related to his response on 9/11, and the six Firehouse 10 crew members who died that day.