SCARBOROUGH—On Friday, Sept. 11, Centennial College students from the Police and Public Safety Foundations, Paramedic and Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training programs will honour the first responders who rose in service 25 years ago on 9/11. At a ceremony hosted at the college, students will present formal tributes to New York City police, firefighters, paramedics and responders who risked and sacrificed their lives.
“Today’s tribute connects aspiring first responders’ futures to a past that must never be forgotten,” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO, Centennial College. “It reminds us that behind every uniform, every badge, every helmet, every stretcher, there is a person – someone who may not come home the way they intended, someone who chooses duty, someone who chooses others. To remember is to honour.”
The ceremony will feature the Police Foundations Colour Party, joined by the Toronto Police Chief’s ceremonial unit, as well as the Toronto Police Service (TPS) piper. The Toronto Police Mounted Unit and officers from multiple TPS divisions will also be among the local community safety partners in attendance as special guests.
“The reality is that most of our students were not yet born when the tragic events of 9/11 took place, and yet it is so important to understand the sacrifices first responders made that day,” said Howie Page, Coordinator, Police and Public Safety Foundations program, Centennial College. “For aspiring first responders, 9/11 is a time to honour the fallen and their families and a reminder of the realities of duty.
“How first responders answered the call to duty on 9/11 exemplifies the importance of integrity, teamwork, and courage under pressure. Learning what happened helps students appreciate why emergency response, command structure, preparedness, communication, and coordination matter.”