September 11th, 2016

I remember 9-11-2001. I remember that date very clearly. I was 20 years into my fire service career, and enjoying a day off. Out for a run on a beautiful morning, news of a plane striking one of the towers was being broadcast on the radio. I thought it was likely a small private aircraft. As I continued my run, news of the 2nd tower being struck by another plane made my stomach drop. Once home, television footage made clear this was not accidental. As I watched the horror of that day unfold, I knew our world would never be the same. The public was getting a 1st hand look at evil.

In the days that followed, firefighters across the world returned to work at their firehouses. We mourned deeply, but still responded to calls for help. People looked at us (firefighters) differently now. Strangers would come up and hug us. Food and cards were left at the station. We were requested as guests at many gatherings honoring those lost. As weeks moved into months, firefighters networked nationally. How we trained changed - forever. How we worked changed - forever. We got smarter, stronger, and better. I watched good people overcome their own fears, and find ways to prepare to combat that evil. I was honored to see some of the best of humanity.

Last weekend I took my dogs for a walk at a nearby Firefighter's Memorial Park in Westerville. We've been there before. A centerpiece of the park is a twisted iron beam from one of the twin towers (see pic). It's real. It's sobering. It's a painful reminder of a lesson I will never forget. Evil is alive and well in our world.

I know this writing has nothing to do with dogs. I know most people care little what a dog trainer thinks about world events. But as a retired firefighter that served during that time, I feel compelled to offer 2 points. To anyone that thinks you can ignore evil, you're naive. To anyone who thinks you can negotiate with evil, you're a fool.

We felt very vulnerable after Sept. 11th, 2001. Through the hard work of many brave and honorable people, a feeling of security eventually returned to our nation. I'll always have concern when political leaders gut our military, remove funding for first responders, or lack the integrity to do what's right. Losing sight of the lessons served up on September 11th, 2001 will always be a recipe for disaster.

I hope on this year's anniversary of that terrible day, citizens will reflect on the reality of evil. And when we are given the honor to vote for our leadership, I pray we elect leaders who will rise to the same challenges already met by our military, police, and firefighters. God bless the USA.