In a moving ceremony Tuesday, Statesboro and Bulloch County public safety officials remembered those who lost lives Sept. 11, 2001.
Bulloch County sheriff’s deputies, Statesboro police, firefighters from both the Statesboro and Bulloch County fire departments and members of Bulloch County EMS and other public safety agencies joined together at Bulloch Memorial Gardens around 9 a.m. Tuesday, most in dress uniform.
With blue and red lights from patrol cars and fire trucks flashing, the ceremony began with a welcome from Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner, who also explained the significance of certain parts of the ceremony.
Several public safety officials gave brief speeches, and Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams spoke about what the date — Sept. 11 — means today.
He spoke about memories of the tragic attack, reactions and what followed in the aftermath.
The phrases “hero,” “United we stand” and “Never forget” are terms “often used,” he said.  “A hero is someone who inspires you to do better and try harder.”
He spoke of the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers and eight emergency medical personnel who died in rescue efforts to save the victims of the attacks on the Twin Towers, where around 3,000 lives were lost.
“United we stand,” he said. “I cannot begin to explain the amount of pride that swelled in me knowing how many people responded, wanting to help.”
“Never forget” is what we need to remember, he said. “All of the good, the compassion – that is something we should never forget. It means we united together, and this ceremony is a very small way we remember. We need to continue to stand united, strive to be heroic, and ensure the losses of 9/11 are honored every day. …”
A color guard presented flags, and uniformed officers presented a wreath at the memorial located at the rear of the cemetery.
 A firefighter “struck the fives,” ringing five haunting echoes on a silver bell, and sheriff’s deputies fired a 21-gun salute, flames visible from the guns as the shots rang out. Bulloch County Central 911 operator Kerri Borgman gave a last call, a tradition honoring those who killed in the line of duty.
The call dispatched over Bulloch 911’s channels was prefaced by a “drop weather tone” that caught attention; then, “On behalf of the community and all Bulloch County public safety agencies, we would like to extend our gratitude for all the heroes lost on Sept. 11, 2001, who acted with great bravery and compassion,” she said.
Mary Jo Strosnider, whose son, Jamie Strosnider is a Statesboro firefighter, attended the ceremony.
“I’m the mother of a firefighter, married to a former fire chief and was a paramedic for 25 years,” she said. “I remember the day very well. I’m here to remember those lost, as well as the families.”

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.