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Nine years ago today, David Russell was filled with worry. Although his son, David Russell III, was not scheduled to work Sept. 11, 2001, Fairfield's former fire chief knew his son, a firefighter in New York City, would be one of the first on the scene after the attack on the World Trade Center. Unfortunately, Russell also knew he couldn't help his son.
"I knew that being the old guy, I'd take a lot of attention away from the troops," David said. "They would be watching me, and not paying attention" to the building.
David III survived, although he still has lung problems from the smoke and dust he inhaled that day. His father was one of the dozens of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, town officials and residents who came out Saturday morning at Fairfield's Fire Headquarters to remember those who weren't so lucky.
"It is said time heals all wounds," current Fire Chief Richard Felner said. "But time cannot, and will not heal this wound, because it is too deep. We did not know each of these fire and police officers personally. Yet we knew them, because we are them, and they were us."
Along with Felner, Police Chief Gary MacNamera, state Sen. John McKinney, Judge Daniel Caruso, First Selectman Kenneth Flatto, the Rev. Victor Martin of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Firefighters' Union Chairman Robert Smith shared their thoughts and memories of the tragedy. All mourned the loss of life and honored the work of the firefighters, police and EMTs who responded that day. As MacNamera said, it was just part of the job they do every day.
"We were here for you before Sept. 11, 2001, we were here serving during Sept. 11, 2001, and we'll continue to serve, not only for the nine [years] since Sept. 11, 2001, but always," MacNamera said.
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