Nearly three dozen local first responders gathered at the Wright City Church of Church of Nazarene Sept. 9 to be recognized for their heroic public service as part of an annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.The service, which the Rev. Joe Purl began hosting eight years ago, featured a variety of guests and entertainment. All paid homage to those in service careers, who make a myriad of sacrifices to protect others.Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and even members of the Air Evac team were on hand to be honored and reflect on the events and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.Purl likened the sacrifices made in the Bible and those expected of us spiritually to the daily service provided by first responders.“Be the community that you want to live in,” said Purl. “May we take the sacrifice that we remember, and may we commit to that sacrifice and to that service in our own lives. Thank you first responders for reminding us each and every day what service and sacrifice is all about.”The ceremony began with emergency personnel showing off their tools and transportation to children in attendance.The service then made its way inside, where first responders received praise from local officials, including Wright City Mayor Dan Rowden and Judge Mike Wright.Rowden offered a prayer for the safety of the first responders, while Wright discussed how the job of emergency personnel is often like that of the shepherd.“There’s the parable of the lost sheep, in which the shepherd goes in search of the one missing sheep,” said Wright. “I think about our first responders in that way. For most of us, 99 percent is a job well done, but not for our first responders. If there’s one left, they’re going back in.”Wright also expressed the importance of practicing the three “R’s” — respect for yourself, respect for others and responsibility for your actions.Members of the congregation, including several first responders, shared their reflections about how the events of 9/11 impacted their lives. For many, it was a defining moment in their career or the day they decided emergency service was the right route for them.Following the church service, a meal was served and members of the Wright City Fire Protection District provided a demonstration.

Local first responders enter a 9/11 ceremony held in their honor on Sept. 9 at the Wright City Church of the Nazarene. Nearly three dozen emergency personnel were on hand as their service and sacrifice was recognized. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

A member of the congregation at Wright City Church of the Nazarene shares his thoughts about Sept. 11 with Rev. Joe Purl and local first responders looking on. A ceremony to honor emergency personnel was held on Sept. 9 at the church. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe