| The IAFF represents the health & safety of full-time firefighters and paramedics in North America |
International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger recently joined President Obama at a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero, where 343 members of the FDNY died in the line of duty, saving the lives of others on September 11, 2001.
“The solemn ceremony will hopefully provide some closure to a horrific event in our nation’s history,” Schaitberger said. “It will also allow us to honor those who defend our country and its people at home and abroad, including our fire fighters, paramedics and police who protect our citizens and our military, the intelligence officers and the Navy SEALs who accomplished the mission this nation began almost 10 years ago to avenge all those lost in the three attacks that fateful day.”
Two members of the FDNY stood with Obama and Schaitberger to honor the fallen, Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 94, and Al Hagan, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854, who both lost friends and colleagues.
“This ceremony serves as a reminder that America cannot forget that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our country and our way of life. Defending our citizens at home and defending our country abroad requires resources. It is our duty to never allow policy makers to forget what it takes to protect a nation. Complacency is not an option,” Schaitberger said.
The IAFF, headquartered in Washington, represents more than 298,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in North America and is the leading advocate for the health and safety of fire fighters.