HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Over a dozen first responders with the Hopkinsville Fire Department ascended and descended stairs early Friday morning in honor of the terrorist attacks that took place 25 years ago on Sept. 11. This annual tribute signifies the 110 story journey emergency crews took during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center.
Cards were distributed to each participant, each which had a name and photograph of a first responder who died on Sept. 11. After each person went up and down the four flights of stairs of the training tower at Fire Station 5, then they rang a bell and said the name of the honored individual out loud. For one participant, this climb was even more significant as it marked the final tribute that Battalion Chief Spencer Wood took after 26 years with the department. He started as a firefighter on Sept. 11, 2000, and has participated in every tribute climb since then. His final shift was one day prior on Sept. 10.
“Few people are more passionate about being a firefighter and serving others than Chief Wood,” said a statement from HFD, “His impact shows not only in the countless calls he has answered, and the responsibilities entrusted to him, but also in the firefighters he has led, mentored, and served alongside throughout his career.”
Fire Chief Steven Futrell spoke about working with Wood over the past few decades during the climb saying, “I love him and I’m going to miss him.”
As part of the climb, Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight delivered an address at the exact time that the terrorist attacks took place 25 years ago. He commended the brave actions that first responders took at World Trade Center by running into danger.
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