Magic City gathers to remember 9/11 attack

BGNN PHOTOS/Bob Morehead

Capt. Mike Beckman rings the Last Alarm bell in memory of the Barberton firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty.

Capt. David Polacek and firefighter Isaac Farrington swap out the fire station’s flag for the Flag of Heroes for the day Sept. 11. The flag bears the names of all the first responders killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

Barberton High School student Kellen Lockhart plays “Taps” for the city’s 9/11 observance. His echo partner, Ollie Medina, is screened from view.

Fire Chief Stephen Ionno addresses the significance of the 9/11 observance.

 

By BOB MOREHEAD
BGNN senior staff writer

BARBERTON  The Barberton Fire Department gathered once again outside Station No. 1 to remember the worst terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil, the first responders who died in it, and the Barberton firefighters who gave their all in the line of duty.

The events of that chilling morning were read off as a time tick by Capt. Mike Beckman and Fire Chief Stephen Ionno remarked on the significance of the day.

“Those two familiar words come to mind again,” Ionno said. “Never forget.”

Ionno pointed out that firefighters and paramedics fight for life every day.

“It’s not just fighting fires or answering medical calls,” Ionno said. “It’s also smoke detector installs, CPR classes or community education events.”

Capt. David Polacek and firefighter Izak Farrington then swapped out the standard U.S. flag for the Flag of Heroes, bearing the names of all the 9/11 dead in the stripes.

Firefighter Baron Derita laid the wreath at the memorial stone at the foot of the flag as Ionno read the names and told the stories of Barberton firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty. Walter Steele was killed fighting the fire resulting from the Diamond Match explosion in 1922. Chief Edward Peery had a heart attack on duty in 1951, a year after being poisoned by phosgene gas in a fire at Simon Jewelry; it’s believed the resulting health problems contributed to the heart attack.

Beckman rang the Last Alarm bell as Barberton High School students Kellen Lockhart and Ollie Medina played “Taps” and the ceremony ended.