Allen County fire chiefs reflect on 9/11.
The events of September 11, 2001 changed the world, when terrorists crashed airplanes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people. In an emotional and gripping presentation, Lima Fire Chief Andy Heffner, Bath Township Fire Chief Joe Kitchen and Shawnee Township Fire Chief Todd Truesdale spoke to the club about the events of that day and how they changed their own lives and the world. Kitchen says the fire service learned a number of lessons that day and has worked to improve. "Response to these kind of events is local. Before the FBI or the ATF or the National Guard and all these other agencies roll in, it's Bath Township, Lima Fire, Shawnee Fire, the Allen County Sheriff's Office. The response is local." Kitchen says that as a result of 9/11, interdepartmental communications has improved, mutual aid between departments has improved, collaboration between fire departments and other agencies has improved. "It was terrible. It was a tragedy. Something none of us ever want to go through. But I'm so proud of the fire service that we said, ok, what can we do better if this ever happens. And not just for these major events, but for our citizens every day." Truesdale told us that another good thing to result from the day is the LASER (Lima Area Security Emergency Response) Task Force. That enabled us to make sure we could protect all the citizens of Allen County. That we have a plan in place if we need to protect the facilities. It changed everything forever." Heffner told us that for him, 9/11 is about self reflection and motivation. "Would I be brave enough? Would I be strong enough? Would I have the fortitude they did to follow orders? Could I be that magnificent? God bless everyone that serves."
Also at Monday's meeting, Dr. Andy Cook was inducted as the newest member of the Lima Rotary Club. Please make him welcome!
