Behind the Badge
Anaheim police officers and firefighters will join tourism officials to honor victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at a ceremony on the Grand Plaza overlooking the Anaheim Convention Center.
The 30-minute ceremony on Sept. 11 will begin at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time when tragedy first struck the World Trade Center in 2001.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue, the Anaheim Police Department and the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau are hosting the event.
Residents, active and veteran members of the military, visitors and first responders are invited to attend the ceremony. Attendees are asked to show up no later than 8:30 a.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave. Parking will be free and guests are asked to enter from Katella Avenue.
The program will include the presentation of colors by a joint honor guard of Anaheim PD and Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel, opening comments from Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, and the “Last Alarm” Ceremony read by Anaheim Fire Chief Randy R. Bruegman honoring the lives of the fallen firefighters, police officers and civilians.
Quezada and Bruegman will present a ceremonial wreath and pay their respects in remembrance of all of those who died.
“This ceremony is dedicated to the remarkable spirit of heroism, patriotism and compassion demonstrated by so many on that dark September morning and the days that followed,” Bruegman said. “To be united with Police Chief Quezada and his department, along with members of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, will make this tribute even more meaningful for our community.”
Said Quezada: “We join Chief Bruegman and Anaheim Fire & Rescue in honoring the heroic efforts of so many that tragic September day. They gave their lives in service to others, and we will never forget.”
