CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Fire Rescue hosted its 22nd Annual 9-11 Ceremony Monday at Fire Station 1 on Main Street. Close to 300 people attended the event which honored and remembered fallen firefighters, law enforcement, first responders and emergency personnel lost in the 9-11 terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

A memorial wreath was also presented at the ceremony to recognize the first responders, government officials, civilians and military personnel who lost their lives on 9-11.

West Creek High School Orchestra at the Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue Fire Chief Freddie Montgomery Jr. speaking at the Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts speaking at the Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden speaking at the Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)
Clarksville Fire Rescue 9-11 Ceremony at Fire Station 1 on Sep11, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

 

Clarksville Fire Rescue Chief Freddie Montgomery Jr., Clarksville Police Chief David Crockarell, Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services Chief Chris Proctor, Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson and retired Major General Walt Lord each placed a carnation in the wreath.

As is done each year, three local fallen Clarksville firefighters were also remembered. Firefighter Claude Walker who died in 1960, Captain George Wilson who lost his life in 1967 and engineer Ray Harrison who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1981.

Photos of the three men were placed at the base of the firefighter statue and family members placed flowers near the photos. Students from the West Creek High School Orchestra provided music for the National Anthem during the ceremony.

“We are committed to never forget, it’s just one of the things that rings true to us, and it’s something that we’ll continue to do for as long as we can,” Montgomery Jr. said.