GFD and senators reflect on the everlasting impact of 9/11
By Thomas Benavente Pacific Daily News | Sep 11, 2023
In honor of the numerous lives lost 22 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, several government officials shared their thoughts on how the tragedy has shifted the operations of first responders and the sacrifices made in the risky occupations.
Chief Joey Manibusan, the acting fire chief the Guam Fire Department, wanted to remind the community that despite the two decades that have passed since 9/11, it is still important to recognize what happened.
“The fire service throughout the nation has evolved since 9/11 from a highly effective yet dated firefighting force to a modern emergency management and response organization,” said Manibusan. “We do numerous joint exercises with our public safety and non-government organizational partners to prepare for all kinds of emergencies, from natural to man-made to acts of terrorism. All citizens should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings: if you see something, report it.”
Manibusan further noted to continue to remember over 60 sons and daughters of Guam that have been lost since 9/11.
Sen. William Parkinson, legislative committee oversight chair over the Guam Fire Department, shared his participation in honoring the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
“The tragic events of 9/11 reverberated not just through the cities directly impacted, but across our nation, touching our shores here in the Pacific,” noted Parkinson, who has also formerly spent nine years as a federal firefighter. “We remember with profound respect the first responders who bravely rushed towards danger, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Parkinson further added that with his experience as a former firefighter, he was touched by their unwavering dedication, embodied with the spirit of unity and selflessness.
“Even thousands of miles away, we on Guam stand in solidarity with firefighters and first responders across the nation, recognizing that the values of bravery, resilience, and unity know no bounds,” added Parkinson. “Let us serve, remember, and honor their legacy today and always.”
As the legislative chairman of emergency response and border safety, Sen. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas reflected on today in memory of nearly 3,000 lives lost from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., amongst the four airplane crashes.
“We will never forget the sacrifices made by New York’s frontline heroes,” said Sen. San Nicolas. “I express my heartfelt appreciation to our very own brave men and women, our heroes, of Guam for their dedication in protecting our island and country. Thank you to our local, federal and military first responders.”
Sen. Chris Barnett, who leads the legislative committee over public safety, shared that the sense of American security at home was forever changed on this day.
“Given the looming threat of China and the now normalized rhetoric about a potential attack on Guam, this day of reflection and remembrance takes a new tone when considering the risks our island faces as a potential first-strike community,” shared Barnett.
Sen. Chris Duenas, the legislative vice-chair on public safety, echoed Barnett’s sentiment in regards to how the devastation 22 years ago has served as a reminder of the importance of national security and the safety of our citizens.
“Here on our island, we face a rising tide of crime that poses a threat to the well-being of our people. It is imperative that we take proactive measures to ensure that everyone in our community feels secure within the walls of their homes,” acknowledged Duenas. “Just as the events of that fateful day in New York and Washington D.C. prompted law enforcement across the nation to step forward as the frontline of defense, we must do the same here on Guam.”
Duenas added how this continues to emphasize the importance of recruiting additional first responders.
“We need to bolster our efforts to recruit more dedicated men and women in blue who are willing to answer the call and protect our island,” added Duenas. “By increasing the presence of police officers on our streets, we can respond swiftly to situations that endanger lives and ensure that our community remains a safe haven for all.”
Sen. Roy Quinata, who wasn’t even six years old yet at the time of 9/11, further shared that no matter how old residents were or where they were at the time of the event, everyone was definitely shook up.
“We have a population that has up to 10 percent being part of the military one way or another. We definitely have a lot of patriotism in our veins and a lot of sacrifices from the previous generations,” shared Quinata, who is also part of the legislative committees overseeing fire and emergency response. “We always want to make sure that we are resilient to any disaster. No matter how far we go in life, we come together as a community and a nation to rebuild our way of life.”
Quinata added that despite a small amount of residents opting to be local first responders, they deserve their honor as well.
“Individuals who sign up for those careers are very brave and basically volunteer their lives to put others before themselves,” added Quinata. “These people volunteer to have time away from their families and those that they love the most to put themselves in harm’s way and try to save others to live another day. We’re thankful and blessed to have these people taking care of threats around our island.”