The Austin Firefighters Association held their annual 9/11 memorial service on Monday morning. Members of the Austin Fire Department along with local officials gathered at the Buford Tower on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake. A huge American flag was hoisted by Ladder Truck #1 on nearby Colorado Street.

The service began promptly at 7:30 AM with a color guard procession, accompanied by the Emergency Service Pipes and Drums Association (ESPADA).

Austin Mayor Steve Adler presented Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr with a city proclamation honoring all firefighters, especially the 343 New York firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett shared his memories of being evacuated from the U.S. Capitol on September 11, 2001.

In keeping with firefighter tradition, a shiny silver bell was tolled for Last Call: three sets of five rings. The bell was also rung for each Austin firefighter who had died in the past year. A bugler then played Taps and the ceremony ended with ESPADA playing Amazing Grace.

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