The day we must not forget: Plano chiefs remember 9/11 attacks

On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, people throughout the country gathered to remember the lives lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

The Plano fire and police departments held a small, solemn service at Fire Station One. The service featured the honor guards from both departments as well as a pipe-and-drum band and a 21-gun salute.

Two of the public servants present at the service were Fire Chief Bill Peterson and Police Chief Greg Rushin. Both men said that while the attacks occurred thousands of miles from Plano, they had an immediate impact on the city and its first responders.

"We were monitoring the events in New York via television, while at the same time planning what we were going to do in the city, how we were going to react," Rushin said. "Nobody knew what was going on, but you have to reassure the public that you are ready to protect Plano."

Rushin added that the attacks created a number of new governmental agencies, and also involved both local and state law enforcement officers in national security issues. For the first time, it was recognized that local police officers were the first line of defense against terrorism, Rushin said.

Peterson retired from Plano FD in 2006, but is currently serving as interim fire chief while a replacement is found for Chief Hugo Esparza, who retired earlier this year. Peterson said the 9/11 attacks raised the awareness the public had for its first responders.

"The incident showcased the importance that public safety has in the basic fabric of every community in the country," he said.

The attacks also had a somewhat unexpected effect on Plano, the chiefs said. While they didn't see an increase in applications to become firefighters or police officers in the city, they did see record numbers of residents volunteer their time to help the departments.

"You don't have to be a member of the police department, fire department or the military to serve your country," Rushin said. "People can do it on a daily basis by looking for suspicious activity and then reporting it. ... The people in our community have responded to that call and our volunteers make a great impact on the safety of our community."

As the years go by and the attacks become more of a distant memory, Peterson said younger Americans need to be informed of what occurred on 9/11 to ensure it doesn't happen again and ensure that some good can come out of the terrible events of that day.

"I think it is important that we take time out of our busy schedules to remember what happened on Sept. 11," Peterson said. "To remember the fragility of life and to appreciate family, friends and what we have here in this country. I think events such as [the one in Plano] help the nation to not forget the resilience we have seen out of all Americans over the last 11 years."

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