By Andrew Wigger
awigger@civitasmedia.com
NEWBERRY — In 2009 Congress designated Sept. 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, a day to honor the lives of those who were lost on 9/11.
In honor of Sept. 11, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Midlands honored Newberry County first responders with fruit baskets and thanks.
“Our heroes who perished on Sept. 11 included 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD police officers, 37 Port Authority police officers, one fire marshal, eight EMTs and paramedics and eight other law enforcement officers,” said Beverly Brandt, director of RSVP. “Today we honor the Newberry County first responders to include, fire, police, EMS, dispatch and hazmat in the spirit of unity, patriotism and compassion.”
Newberry Mayor Foster Senn said it is important we remember Sept. 11 and the first responders that died.
“Imagine when the towers were hit, there were people running away from the buildings, but the first responders ran back to the towers,” he said. “That was the most first responders to die in one day in the history of our country.”
Foster added that the feeling throughout Newberry is appreciation toward first responders.
Sheriff Lee Foster expressed his gratitude toward RSVP for putting on the Service of Honor and Remembrance, saying it was an especially tough time for law enforcement.
“We have gone from after 9/11 being heroes, to being vilified by many, due to hyperactivity of some,” he said. “After 9/11 everyone really honored law enforcement and the fire departments. It is extremely nice to have someone recognize us with today’s event.”
Keith Minick, fire chief of the City of Newberry, said the world changed dramatically on Sept. 11, 2001, and by having the community come together and support the first responders means a lot.
“Thank you for the day you have given us. It means a lot to us to have all of you remember Sept. 11,” he said.
Minick also mentioned how this weekend will be the kids fun day, a way the Fire Department is using to memorialize the weekend and say thank you.
Newberry County Councilman Scott Cain thanked every first responder for putting their lives on the line every day. Saying that none of them are recognized near as much as they should be.
“People do not see all the hard work it takes for you to do your job, but if you go to downtown Newberry at night you see people able to walk safely down the street. That is due to the first responders,” he said.
Each first responder was given there own fruit basket. Brandt said that was made possible because of Severts and Sons Produce, based in West Columbia, who donated 12 cases of fruit. The fruit baskets also came with a thank you note, all of which were put together by local senior citizens.
“The Corporation for National and Community Service (the organization charged with supporting National Day of Service and Remembrance) funds our grants. RSVP grants serve the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs, and provide high quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers,” Brandt said.
The reason RSVP chose fruit baskets was because it was something they thought everyone could enjoy. The RSVP provided fruit baskets to the first responders at the Newberry City Police, Newberry City Fire, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Newberry County Fire, Newberry County Rescue and Hazmat, Newberry County Dispatch and first responders out of Whitmire and Little Mountain.
Foster also thanked RSVP for recognizing the dispatch, a group he says is typically overlooked.
“Really want to thank those who work in the call center and correction facility. They do an extremely vital part of the justice system,” he said.
Terri Lawson, supervisor for dispatch, said she was humbled by this service and proud to be a part of the team. She added that she appreciated everyone for doing this for them.
Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.