09/11/2026
WHERE WERE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001?
Today marks 25 years since our country was forever changed.
For many of us, we remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. We remember watching the towers fall. We remember the images of firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and ordinary citizens running toward the danger while everyone else was trying to get away.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day. Among them were 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while answering the call to help others.
For me, September 11th was also a moment that helped shape the path I would eventually take. I joined the fire service shortly afterward.
And I wasn't alone.
So many people joined the fire service in the years following September 11th. Something about that day reminded people that service matters. That community matters. That when someone's having the worst day of their life, there needs to be someone willing to show up.
Today, we need that spirit again.
Volunteerism is at an all-time low. Fire departments across the country are struggling to recruit and retain the people needed to answer the calls. The calls haven't stopped. The emergencies haven't stopped. But the number of people willing and able to respond has continued to shrink.
We cannot assume someone else will step up.
The next generation of firefighters isn't going to magically appear. They are going to come from our communities; our sons and daughters, our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, and maybe even you.
You don't have to be a hero.
You don't have to know everything.
You just have to be willing to learn, willing to serve, and willing to stand beside your neighbors when they need you most.
Twenty-five years ago, thousands of people ran toward danger because that's what the moment demanded of them.
Today, our communities are asking for something different; but just as important: people willing to step forward.
If you've ever thought about volunteering with your local fire department, EMS, or another community organization, now is the time.
Don't wait for the next September 11th to remind us what service means.
Remember. Honor. Serve.
Fire Chief Nicholas Proulx
Town of Hull Fire Department