First responders, leaders say they will never forget, are more vigilant
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Painful memories. Renewed emphasis on coordination and commitment to respond to emergencies.
These are among the lessons taught to first responders living in a post-Sept. 11, 2001 era.
It was a dark day with light provided by first responders.
The sudden deaths of 2,977, as a result of the attacks in New York, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Somerset County, and added mortalities from exposure to cancer-causing toxic rubble, won't be erased from most memories, especially for those who rush into harm's way.
"It taught us how to think outside the box," said Richard Caschera, assistant chief of Loyalsock Township Volunteer Fire Co.
Toxic smoke that caused cancer in survivors and responders at Ground Zero is not okay to breath, Caschera said. Breathing and skin protection is a priority. Today firefighters have better cleaning of gear and equipment after a call, he said.
"I don't believe much of America has forgotten 9-11-01," said R. Mark Lusk, Lycoming County sheriff. "I can tell you from first responders, fire, rescue, emergency medical services and law enforcement, we never forget what happened on the darkest day in American history."
Has the recent violence on city streets due to protests and anti-protests dimmed American hopes for brighter days ahead?
"Notwithstanding the anti-Democratic rhetoric and actions of the far-left socialist movement and the cancel culture, America remains the land of the free and home of the brave where so many migrate from other nations seeking freedom, hope and opportunity," said Steven W. Cappelli, borough manager at South Williamsport.
Cappelli was in his first term in the state House of Representatives. When the hijacked airplanes hit the twin towers, he and others were evacuated from the Capitol building in Harrisburg and he drove back to Lycoming County.
"I think the coroners and medical examiners have not forgotten the events of Sept. 11, 2001," said Charles E. Kiessling Jr., Lycoming County coroner.
As president of the state Coroner's Association, Kiessling said the coroners and medical examiners continue to strive to be prepared for another attack or mass casualty emergency.
He has such certainty because of funding the association has acquired for eight mass fatality response trailers.
The trailers are strategically located across the state and will reduce response times if and when needed, Kiessling said.
Four of those trailers are for transporting equipment needed to mitigate mass fatality incidents and four are refrigerated to hold and transport the deceased, he said.
Additionally, a Coroner's Disaster Response Committee has been involved in training exercises to handle mass fatality incidents, Kiessling said.
It may be dimming for a new generation not yet born when the attacks occurred and who may be more worried about COVID-19 and present-day realities.
While Kiessling, as others, await a possible vaccine for COVID-19, the preparation for mass casualties and deaths won't go away even if the disease does.
"It will continue to do so once the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed," he said.
The day of terror resulted in better trained volunteers and professionals, he said.
That could be seen in a mock attack training exercise that involved more than 250 emergency responders as well as volunteer "victims," including victims run over by a van, in April 2017.
There is a lot of focus on the deaths related to the virus right now, but the association stands ready to respond as needed to assist other coroners and medical examiners in the event of any mass fatality incidents, Kiessling said.
Sept. 11, 2001, left an indelible mark in American and world history.
It reinforced what first responders have done in America since the days of Bejamin Franklin, who began the first fire department, Lusk said.
"Two wars and 20 years later, I believe Americans remain united in defending the principles of freedom and democracy at home and abroad," Cappelli said.
"I truly believe the fact that our volunteers, and career first responders, including those in law enforcement, believe there is a true sense in our part of the world of appreciation of what first responders and their partners do," Lusk said.
It renewed emphasis on always being available for the public.
"What would happen if a call to 911 was made and if there wasn't a police, firefighter or ambulance to respond?" Lusk asked.
That day taught the world not to forget the diabolical acts, but also to reverence the never-ending work done by first responders including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
"It taught us how quickly life changes, quickly," Lusk said. "It also reinforced and demonstrated that there are those who run into danger when others flee."