ALEXANDER COUNTY, NC (September 8, 2020) – September 11 is First Responders Day in North Carolina, a day on which citizens are encouraged to honor and remember local first responders.
In July 2017, the NC General Assembly designated September 11th of each year as First Responders Day, making it an official State holiday. The date of September 11th was chosen in recognition of the huge sacrifices made by first responders at the World Trade Center attack in New York.
According to Tim Bradley, Executive Director of the NC State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA), there are over 50,000 firefighters, both career and volunteer, in North Carolina serving 1,376 fire departments.
“After the attacks on 9/11/01, we vowed to never forget the sacrifices made that day by first responders, 343 of whom were firefighters. Having this day each year as a State holiday will help keep the recognition of that sacrifice alive, and continue to honor those who serve their community with sacrifices every day.”
Mark Earle, Alexander County Fire Marshal and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, expressed his appreciation to the many first responders who volunteer their time to help save lives.
“I am so proud of the fine team of first responders that we have in Alexander County. They work tirelessly to battle fires, provide emergency medical services, search and rescue, and so much more,” Earle stated. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of men and women who truly care for the citizens of Alexander County. When you see a first responder on September 11, please let them know how much you appreciate them.”
Learn more about NC First Responders Day at www.ncsfa.com/first-responders-day.