By Amanda Amsel
Staff Writer
The Prairie Township Fire Department plans to honor their fallen comrades and civilians by hosting the annual September 11th Memorial Service.
Now in its fourth year, the annual service has been taking place since 2011.
“We started the service on the 10th anniversary of 9/11,” said Captain Rick Critchfield of the Prairie Township Fire Department. “We were searching for a way to pay respect for the ones who were attacked and lost their lives on that tragic day and to show support to our country and the service that our fellow brother and sisters gave to our great country.”
The department also built a 9/11 memorial in honor of those who lost their lives. This year, Critchfield said the service will take place at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the memorial, 123 Inah Ave.
Lasting 30 to 45 minutes, the service will be led by the fire departments chaplain and captains and will include a prayer, flag salute, short speech and a moment of silence.
Even though none of the September 11th victims were from Prairie Township, officials said they still feel a need to pay their respects, even using their annual fish fry proceeds to pay for the 9/11 memorial and it’s upkeep.
“We as a nation promised we will not forget,” Critchfield said. “This memorial service allows us to remember those and to keep it fresh in our minds of what can happen when we least expect it.”
Since September 11, more than 60 terrorist plots have been foiled by the Unites States, reminding people that there is still a threat against U.S. citizens.
“We would just like to thank everyone for helping us keep the pledge to not forget the public servants and innocent civilians that were viciously attacked that day,” Critchfield said.
If you’re interested in attending the Prairie Township Fire Department September 11th Memorial Service or would like more information, visit www.prairietownship.org.
