The Austin Firefighters Association held their annual 9-11 Memorial Ceremony this morning at the Buford Tower. This year’s event was well-attended and included city government officials, firefighters, news reporters, camera crews, and even an Americorps contingent.

The AFA president spoke about the ultimate sacrifice made by the 9-11 first responders. The 343 firefighters who died that day were remembered with a Last Alarm bell ceremony.

Mayor Steve Adler presented Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr with a city proclamation. City Council Representative Delia Garza explained that she had been in firefighter cadet training on that day in 2001. A lieutenant from the New York Fire Department also spoke.

The names of active and retired Austin firefighters who died during the past year were read and then a trumpeter played Taps. The solemn ceremony ended with Amazing Grace performed by the Emergency Service Pipes and Drums Association.

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