Community pauses to remember 9/11

SANDPOINT — If one thing has become clear since Sept. 11, 2001, it’s that the country owes a debt of gratitude to volunteers and first responders everywhere.

Law enforcement and emergency response officials spread that message at a remembrance ceremony of the Sept. 11 attacks Wednesday afternoon. As this year’s guest speaker, Bonner County EMS director Rob Wakeley lauded the efforts of the 117 volunteers and first responders who supplement the county’s emergency response system.

That includes people like Stuart Eigler, a first responder who arrived at the scene of a car accident on Highway 200 last month. The driver had crashed off the road and into 24 feet of water. Rather than waiting for additional assistance, Eigler, an experienced diver, chose to swim to the car himself and rescue the driver. After pulling the unconscious driver from the water and spotting a child safety seat in the vehicle, he dove down several more times to ensure there wasn’t an infant on board.

“The victim didn’t survive, but the only chance he had was given to him by a brave and selfless member of this community,” Wakeley said.

Local acts of heroism reflect the spirit of the first responders who arrived at the World Trade Center 12 years ago, Wakeley added. A lack of self-regard and willingness to sacrifice themselves on the morning of the attacks left many firefighters, police officers and paramedics dead or suffering from serious health issues.

It’s precisely the willingness to throw aside self-interest for the sake of one’s fellow man that can make the difference in an emergency situation, Wakeley said. He was reminded of a message dispatched to first responders at the Boston Marathon attack warning them to exercise “extreme caution” regarding a possible third bomb. However, the message really served to warn emergency workers they were walking into a potentially deadly situation.

“It’s not possible to exercise extreme caution and still go in to help the victims — they’re mutually exclusive,” Wakeley said.

Following the tradition of previous years, the event received its ceremonial edge from a color guard supplied by regional fire, police and U.S. Coast Guard personnel and a performance by Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums. Pastor Stan Norman of the United Methodist Church rounded out the ceremony with a commemorative prayer.

The longtime organizer of the event, Ed Gould, announced that after this would be the last time he’d be in charge. However, he emphasized the importance of holding the Sept. 11 attacks close to America’s national identity.

“I make this plea every year,” he said. “Please go home and tell your children, grandchildren and neighbors to never forget about (that day.)”