Today marks the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001,  as well as the crash of Flight 93. These attacks by al-Qaeda terrorists caused 2,996 fatalities, injured 6,000 others, accounted for over $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage and continues to play a part in our lives today. Winfield Fire Chief Josh Sparrow joined the fire department after the 9/11 attacks, but he says that day reminds him how important his role is in his community, “Seeing images of firefighters rushing in and their bravery. You only wish you could obtain that type of stature being a member of a fire department. You hope those events don’t take place in your local communities. But it is an awe inspiring moment to see those images. It definitely moved firefighters to the forefront there for a while. I’m sure we’re still held in pretty high regards within each community. But, it definitely brought the country together for their support and not only for firefighters but the police departments, and the first responders everywhere. In a sense, we need that again, hopefully not with the same type of traumatic event but they all need support from the communities that’s for sure.” Sparrow urges community members to continue to support local fire departments, police departments, and EMS services not only on this day of remembrance, but every day.