Central Remembers 9/11, Honors Firemen, Police

By Candi Lee, Central City News

CENTRAL — The Central community honored the men and women who wear blue and remembered those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in a special Blue Mass.

The Mass was held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church on Sept. 11, 2011 — 10 years from the day Moslem terrorists launched a series of four coordinated suicidal attacks on the United States.

All first responders, including law enforcement agents and emergency personnel in Central and the surrounding areas, were invited to attend the ceremonies, and many did.

Adding to the significance of the event was the presence of two brand-new New York City fire trucks that were built by Ferrara Fire Apparatus of Holden, La.

The trucks, named Ladder 49 and Ladder 173, were parked at the entrance of the church and were used to display a large American flag.

At 9:59 a.m. — the time of the collapse of the first Twin Tower in New York City — a golden fire bell, was tolled by firefighters Charles Mondrick, Burt McCutheon, Robert Campbell, and Chad Engels.

Lt. C. Don Dartez of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office welcomed the congregation.  Deputies of the E.B.R.P. Sheriff’s Department were the Honor Guards.

Central firefighters Michael Clark and Brian Krumholt presented the colors. Fr. Mike Moroney gave the Homily at the Mass as well as a special blessing upon the fallen public safety officers, first responders, and those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The special guest speaker was retired Baton Rouge Police Chief Pat Englade.

Central Fire Chief Bill Porche, Central Police Chief Doug Browning, Capt. Don Strickland, commander of the Sheriff’s Central Sub Station, and EMS Susan Bailey presented a Memorial Wreath.

All first responders and public safety agencies, whether elected or appointed, were recognized during the Mass.

A reception followed.

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OF SPECIAL INTEREST at the 9/11 ceremonies at St. Alphonsus were the two Ferrara fire engine built for the New York City Fire Department.

The ladder truck, named Ladder 49, reminded attended of the movie, Ladder 49, which was released in 2004 and starred John Travolta.

While Ladder 49 is often connected in people’s minds to the events of 9/11, the story is about the heroics of Baltimore fireman Jack Morrison, who is trapped inside a warehouse fire, and his recollection of the events that got him to that point. The movie is a celebration of the firefighting profession and the life that comes with it.