Addison Police Department and Fire Protection District join Addison Trail in remembering Sept. 11

Pictured are members of the Addison Police Department and the Addison Fire Protection District. They visited Addison Trail on Sept. 11 to commemorate and honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by Addison Trail senior Aidan O’Donnell

Members of the Addison Police Department and the Addison Fire Protection District speak with Addison Trail students. They visited the school on Sept. 11 and shared their memories of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as what it's like to be a first responder. Photo by Addison Trail senior Aidan O’Donnell

By Aidan O’Donnell
Addison Trail senior

On Sept. 11, members of the Addison Police Department and the Addison Fire Protection District came to Addison Trail to commemorate and honor the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place 18 years ago.

Police Chief Bill Hayden began by talking to the students and staff over the intercom about the tragedy that took place on Sept. 11, 2001, explaining how the officers and country as a whole united that day. The first responders also led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Addison Trail Concert Choir performed the National Anthem.

The first responders also spoke with students from two social studies classes, sharing where they were on Sept. 11, taking questions from the students and providing an in-depth look at their job.

Hayden said no day is ever the same as an officer and compared the job to an “emotional rollercoaster.”

Fire Chief Joe Leone agreed.

“(This job is about) service before self,” Leone said. “We don’t do this job for ourselves or for the money – we do it to help others.”

Hayden and Leone talked about the constant training it takes to become a first responder, as well as the integrity and ability to be unbiased that is required for the job.