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Crime & Safety

Medford Fire Dept. Holds 9/11 Service

Medford organizations and locals join together for a memorial service to recognize the attacks on 9/11.

The Medford Fire Department and Medford residents remembered the fallen heroes and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks Sunday at a memorial service in Medford Memorial Park across from the station.

Joined by Medford Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Medford American Legion, and the Medford Civic Association, officers were surrounded by flower bushes encircling the podium, along with community members paying their respects.

Rev. Harold McDowell, Chaplain of the Fire Department, led the ceremony and Chief William Wyche Sr. presented a memorial wreath for firefighter John Vigiano of the FDNY and Det. of the NYPD, Medford firefighters who lost their lives at Ground Zero.

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“We recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs, when almost everyone else was racing down, we remember selfless service,” McDowell said. “We remember and give thanks to the dutiful commitment of those in distress.”

McDowell lit two candles- one in memory of those who were lost, the other for the survivors and hope.

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Wyche, a member of the Department since 1989, holds the service every year and recognizes the Vigianos, hoping to create unity among the firefighters.   

“We’re there for each other and support each other," Wyche said. "Everyone gets down and needs someone to talk to, and we just work through it and keep going."

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