Maitland City Talk

On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 10, cities everywhere across America began implementing their plans to remember and recognize 2,973 people whose lives were prematurely cut short by the now notorious attacks against America by the extremist organization al-Qaida. How could it have happened? Why did it happen? These questions and countless others will be debated for decades to come, but that is not our focus here.

The focus here is on the recovery that has gone from baby steps to that of a full-scale triathlon where the winners, not yet clearly known, will have restored the things lost on that day. Helping in that effort, the first step toward success was to assimilate the recovery team — part I of the triathlon. Part II would involve selecting “the coach,” and the third and final part would be to put together the “game plan.”

As the team members that would later become the first part of the recovery, i.e. “the team,” assembled, it would also become quite clear that the human spirit would serve quite nicely as Part II, the coach. As the months and years ticked by, it took quite a bit longer to identify the game plan. And what was that? It was that Americans would not allow this affront on their well-being to break them and that they would unite to see to it that they would never again be so blind-sided.

While we could write pages and pages about the details and all of the subsequent minutia bringing us to this 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, nothing is quite as moving as that of the human spirit, i.e. the coach, and the successes that the coach has inspired. The coach compelled Americans to feel impelled to right the wrong and call to mind the value of what is now an American mindset: Never forget.

In recognition of all of this, a coalition of community residents led by the leadership of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Maitland began an initiative they called “Honor the Badge” in 2008, and honor they have indeed done, continuing to do so even this past weekend. A grand ceremony of paying tribute to the fallen began in October of that year with a 90-minute program of song, tribute and spiritual reflection sandwiched between slices of patriotism. A palatable offering felt and expressed that day four years ago. Fire and police officials alike were taken aback by the sobriety of the event and the spirit of brotherly love expressed to Maitland’s first responders. Maitland emergency workers are ever indebted to Asbury officials and parishioners alike.

With the gravity of the matter ever pressing, fire and police officials worked hard to create another support for first responders; that of the now venerable fire and police chaplains, a group of dedicated clergy that provide comfort and help to department members.

For those unable to be present at Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Maitland on Saturday, here’s a brief summary of what those attendees saw and participated in.

At a few minutes past 10 a.m., Senior Pastor Jeff Jakes of Orangewood Presbyterian opened the program with some welcoming remarks and went on to introduce a program of song, prayer and formal recognition of not just Maitland’s first responders, not just the fallen of Sept. 11, but also recognition of all such ones across this nation who put themselves in harm’s way each day.

Jakes introduced Police Chief Doug Ball, who offered some reflections of the event and its impact through the eyes of law enforcement. Ball mentioned a very somber accounting of his connection to that day when he mentioned that one of the law enforcement officers that perished that day was a peer as well as a comrade from the FBI Academy and because of that, also a friend. Somewhat choked by emotion, Ball went on to say that although a tragic loss, all in law enforcement know the risks and do it dutifully with honor and passion, and they would have it no other way.

Reflecting the view from the fire service, Fire Chief Ken Neuhard had similar, although different reflections of the day. The fire service across America lost that day in one single event 343 firefighters, the equal of which is typically the number lost over slightly more than a three-year period. In closing his impassioned accounting of the day, Chief Neuhard thanked the community leaders for their support to the fire department making it what it is today.

Speaking on behalf of the elected officials of Maitland, Vice Mayor Linda Frosch went on to describe the familial and brotherly feelings of the community; which feelings makes this all come together.

Concluding the program was an admonition of Brian Pikalow of Asbury United Methodist. He asked that we all remain united and never forget. Pikalow also displayed this year’s memento of the event when he presented the booklet, “NEVER FORGET…Hope” by several renowned authors.

What can we take away with us that will remain an ever-present part of ourselves? Remember the words of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz who said, “The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.” Central Florida cares.

—The Maitland Fire Department