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3 | Thursday, September 12, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Firefighters across town took part in a moment of silence Wednesday, Sept. 11, to remember the tragedy and lives lost in 9/11, including those of firefighters and emergency personnel. Firefighters stood in front of their stations with bowed heads under the Canadian flag at half-mast, to honour the sacrifices made by those who served in the rescue efforts. At left, firefighter Christopher Day. Centre, firefighter James Newton bows his head. | photos by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) Oakville firefighters remember tragedy of lives lost on 9/11 "Today we are commemorating the Sept. 11 tragedy, the number of citizens who passed away during those events, as well as the emergency service workers," said Oakville Deputy Fire Chief Brian Durdin, at Oakville Fire Station No. 3, 125 Randall St. "It's the 12th anniversary. It is a significant event and one of those events in life where people will say to you `Where were you when...' It was a huge tragedy that deserves some attention and respect to those who didn't make it." Deputy Fire Chief George Birtig said he was at home having just finished the night shift. He watched as the carnage unfolded on CNN. "I remember thinking when those buildings collapsed there had been emergency workers going up to try to rescue people," he said. "When those buildings came down we knew immediately a lot of people would be affected." In total 2,996 people, including 343 firefighters, died in the attacks. The Oakville Professional Firefighters Association (OPPFA) organized the annual commemoration event with assistance from the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association. "Events such as 9/11 serve as a reminder of the dangers facing firefighters everywhere. It also highlights the fact firefighting is becoming increasingly more dangerous and complex in nature, especially due to the increasing presence of lightweight construction, which leads to building collapse with little to no warning," said Carmen Santoro, OPFFA president. "Marking the date of this tragedy allows firefighters and the communities they serve to unite for a common purpose." by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Firefighters across Oakville, who were not responding to calls for assistance, paused for a moment Wednesday to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At 9:59 a.m., the moment the World Trade Centre's South Tower collapsed 12 years ago, the flags outside Oakville's fire stations were lowered to half-mast as the firefighters stood at attention for a minute of silence. DINING SET ENTERTAIN WITH A NEW DINING SET FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON PROMOTION! Entertainment Solutions... Canadian Made Choice of Stains VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR MORE SELECTIONS Variety of Sizes & Designs on Sale! Furniture & Home Decor 217 Lakeshore Rd. E. Downtown Oakville OAKVILLE 905-845-6556 · 427 SPEERS RD. UNIT 6 OPEN SUNDAYS ­ 11AM- 4PM www.palmabrava.com (BETWEEN DORVAL & 4TH LINE) www.swissinteriors.com 905-844-3530 Proudly Supporting Canadian Manufacturers P 1953-2013 60 years