ROCKINGHAM — First responders from nearly every emergency agency in Richmond County walked three miles Friday in remembrance of those who lost their lives 14 years prior.

8:15 a.m. — Firemen, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, rescue squad and emergency communications personnel gathered in front of the old courthouse for a short ceremony before the walk.

“The random violent act of terrorism that took place on this day 14 years ago claimed the lives of 343 of my fire service brothers and sisters along with 37 members of the New York and New Jersey Port Authority police departments,” said Lt. Michael Mabe of the Rockingham Fire Department, organizer of this year’s event, as he welcomed his colleagues. “There were also 23 members of the NYPD, and eight emergency medical technicians killed as a result of this horrific incident. The total lives lost during this act of terrorism was reported to be 2,953.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you assembled here today for your support as we prepare to walk to honor each and every emergency worker that sacrificed their own lives to save the life of others on this day 14 years ago,” he continued. “While walking, let’s also remember the innocent civilians lost as well as their families. Sept. 11, 2001, America was changed forever, and Richmond County will never forget.”

Following Mabe at the podium were Rockingham Mayor Steve Morris, Richmond County Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr. and Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters, who spoke about the fateful day and the role emergency crews have in society.

“You guys run into a burning building with reckless abandon when most of us are running away from it,” Clemmons said. “You are heroes.”

Following a prayer by RCSO Chaplain Robbie Stewart, Mabe called the walkers together for a briefing, outlining the route, stops along the way and safety precautions.

8:46 a.m. — A blast from a firetruck’s horn signaled the start of the walk, with participants taking their first steps to commemorate the time of the first tower hit.

Walkers turned right onto South Hancock Street, trekking down the hill to the intersection and turning left onto U.S. 74 Business, with onlookers taking photos and video with their cellphones.

Two Rockingham Police Department cruisers led the way. Keith McPhaul followed close behind in a RFD pickup truck with a banner featuring a silhouette of the New York City skyline with the words: 9-11-01 Never Forget.

Behind the marchers were trucks from RFD and East Rockingham Volunteer Fire Department, an ambulance from Richmond County Rescue Squad and a pickup from Ellerbe Rescue.

9:03 a.m. — The convoy stopped in front of Sandhills Office Systems for a short prayer.

At that time, the following was heard over the scanner:

“Attention all stations and units on the air, standby for a memorial announcement.”

*Alert tone*

“Fourteen years after Sept. 11, 2001, we continue to honor the 343 New York firefighters and EMS personnel, along with 60 police officers, that sacrificed their lives on that tragic day. To honor their courage and heroic actions, we take a moment of silence to respect their dedication to protecting our safety.”

*silence*

“We will never forget their sacrifice.”

9:15 a.m. — Walkers stopped for a 15-minute break at the Wilco-Hess gas station, about halfway through their journey. While some participants called it quits, the group was joined by Scuba Steve, who walked beside Richmond County Emergency Services Director Donna Wright — while pushing his bicycle — for the rest of the trek.

Along the way, Bojangles’ provided water.

9:45 a.m. — With sirens blaring, the walkers passed by Pinewood Crossing and continued on to Walmart, where they were greeted by store employees, family members and refreshments.

First responders had to attend to one of their own who got overheated during the three-mile march. They used cold packs and a wet paper towel to cool him down before he was taken away by an ambulance.

“We had a good turnout from everybody,” Mabe said after the walk, which featured participants from the Rockingham, Hamlet and Ellerbe fire departments, East Rockingham, Northside, Mountain Creek, Cordova and Derby volunteer fire departments, Richmond County Rescue Squad, Ellerbe Rescue, Rockingham and Hamlet police departments, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond County 911 Center.

“There was a lot of support from the community,” he added. “A lot of people stopped, videotaping, coming out waving flags.”

Mabe said the plan to make the walk an annual event, and with the participation of a member of the Gibson Fire Department in Scotland County, it could become regional.

Meanwhile, in the nation’s capitol, Rep. Richard Hudson released a statement reflecting on the anniversary of “a solemn date for our nation and a stark reminder that pure evil exists and seeks to destroy us and our way of life.”

“While we continue to honor these heroes, we must recommit ourselves to stopping and ultimately defeating those who seek to harm America,” he said. “Renee and I continue to pray for our men and women in uniform and those who have lost loved ones in our fight for continued safety and security.”

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal John Quick, a junior firefighter with the East Rockingham Volunteer Fire Department, carries the American flag during a 9/11 memorial walk on Friday.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_911flag.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal John Quick, a junior firefighter with the East Rockingham Volunteer Fire Department, carries the American flag during a 9/11 memorial walk on Friday.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal First responders gather in front of the old courthouse for a pre-walk briefing by Lt. Michael Mabe of the Rockingham Fire Department.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_911brief.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal First responders gather in front of the old courthouse for a pre-walk briefing by Lt. Michael Mabe of the Rockingham Fire Department.
Emergency crews mark 9/11 deaths

By William R. Toler

[email protected]

VIDEO ONLINE

For more photos and video from the Richmond County 9/11 memorial walk, visit the Daily Journal’s Facebook page.