Local government officials gathered today outside of Sweetwater city hall to remember the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Today marks the 17th anniversary of the attacks.
A few special guests were in attendance today. First responders from New York City that were present during the aftermath and recovery efforts of the World Trade Center attacks in Lower Manhattan: three former NYPD Police Officers, and a former New York Firefighter.
Sweetwater Police Chief Placido Diaz honored the guests for their heroic efforts and presented them with memorial flags.
“These individuals that stand by my side are heroes… They went above and beyond the call of duty on that day and the days that followed that tragic event. Sometimes, people forget. We’re here today to make sure people remember,” Chief Diaz said during the ceremony.
“No words that I can say to recognize these individuals and all the first responders nationwide and in the military. I wanna thank them for their service, they have our support.”
Some of the special guests were: NYPD Sergeant (ret.) David Maloney, NYPD Sergeant (ret.) Fernando Rodriguez, and current Medley Police Officer / former NYPD Officer Daniel Cisar.
Sweetwater Mayor Honors Heroes
Sweetwater Mayor Orlando Lopez also honored the first responders including police and firefighters, “17 years ago today, on 9-11-2001, America as well all know it changed forever… Today we remember all those that lost their lives and pay special homage to all first responders… Thank you to these heroes which were at Ground Zero in those days and days that followed… We are here to say ‘we remember’. ”
Hallandale Beach Police Chief Among Officials Present
Also present were Hallandale Beach Police Chief Sonia Quinones, Police, and Fire Chaplain Michael Calderin, Miami Dade Fire Rescue Fire Station 29 (Sweetwater Fire Station), members of the public, along with various officials from the Sweetwater government and Police Department.
@CitySweetwater @HallandaleBchPD 09-11-18: Honored to participate in the 9-11 ceremony at the City of Sweetwater today! Pictured with Sweetwater Police Chief Placido Diaz and Hallandale Beach Police Chief Sonia Quinones! pic.twitter.com/JLAns2fC1Z
— Rev Michael Calderin (@mjcalderincap) September 11, 2018