On the morning of Sept. 11, the citizens of Mesquite found a huge American flag waving high off a fire department ladder truck over Mesquite Boulevard.

By 9 a.m., a good-sized crowd had gathered at Fire Station 1 to honor the fallen in a solemn and dignified ceremony led by Fire Chief Jayson Andrus.

The police and fire honor guard presented the colors. Pastor Dennis Lee delivered a prayer, and the Virgin Valley High School Band played “The Star- Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace.” “Taps” was bugled while the flag was raised and lowered.

The firefighter tradition of ringing a bell in four sets of five to signify a death in the line of duty was carried out.

Sergeant Hilda Rodriguez of the Mesquite Police Department spoke, remembering a New York police officer who died on 9/11 in the line of duty.

Firefighter Captain Terran Leavitt also spoke, remembering firefighter Steven Seller, who was off duty when the tower was hit and the call came. He immediately drove toward the towers and was stopped at the tunnel by police securing the area. He strapped on 60 pounds of firefighting gear and ran on foot for two miles through the tunnel and onto the towers. While helping to save others, he gave up his life along with 342 other firefighters.

Dr. Peggy Purner, with the Mesquite Exchange Club, presented $1,000 checks each to the Mesquite police and fire departments. “These first responders provide such protective services to the citizens of Virgin Valley,” she said with much emotion.

The Progress spoke to attendee Duree Grams, a Mesquite resident of two years who has attended the service both years. “I want to honor our firefighters.”

Attendee Jerry Blankenship commented, “We must pay tribute to our first responders and honor the fallen.”

Fire Chief Andrus told the Progress, “I appreciate the great turnout from our community. You can see we are a community full of veterans and first responders. We are privileged to have so much support.”