Southern Illinois Fire Department honors 9/11 fallen hero
JOHNSTON CITY, Ill. (KBSI) – Today we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger when others were running away. The brave men and women who never made it back home on that terrible day.
One Southern Illinois fire department says they will never forget.
A memorial and remembrance walk started at 9:59 am on 3rd street in Johnston City, Illinois continuing through town down Grand Street where firefighters walked in full gear with the support of other local first responders. Johnston city Fire Chief Thomas Burton saying he hopes their walk-through town serves as a reminder to the newer generation that we may never forget the terrible attack that took place on 9/11 and the reason they walked today.
“The flag that was there was set up for a gentleman, that died. It was a firefighter that died in the towers. My sister actually got me the flag, and it’s right here and, we’re again going to carry this flag in, remembrance of him, along with all 343 firefighters” says Burton.
Michael Joseph Cawley age 32 died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. His name was on the flag carried by the fire department through town in remembrance. An Illinois firefighter never forgotten. His name worn a flag carried threw Johnston City today.
