“Twenty-five years have passed, but for those of us in the fire service, September 11th never feels just like another day,” said Warrensburg Fire Chief Jason Hull. “We remember where we were. We remember what we saw. We remember the terrible realization that our brothers and sisters are in trouble.”
Hull was speaking at the Warrensburg Fire Company 9/11 Memorial Service Friday evening, a service the fire company has held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Bandstand each year since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the country.
“And then we remember what happened next,” Hull continued, “Firefighters from across the country did what firefighters always do. They answer the call. They walked into burning, crumbling buildings to save somebody that needed help. They climbed the stairs. While others were coming down, they were going up. They put the lives of complete strangers ahead of their own. Many of them never came home. Twenty-five years later, their absence is still felt.”
The program began with firefighters in dress uniforms and their auxiliaries marching up Elm Street from the firehouse to the bandstand. The Galloway Gaelic Pipe & Drums led the parade along the street, which was lined with fire trucks from more than a dozen participating area fire companies.
The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by American Legion Post 446 and VFW Post 4821. Firefighter Logan McKinney sang the National Anthem, which was followed by a video projected on a large screen showing footage of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
New York State Assemblyman Matt Simpson spoke, recalling that day, 25 years ago.
“The thing that strikes me is, at that time, I was 34 years old, 25 years ago. My son was five. And there’s no way that a five-year-old could understand what just happened to our state, our fellow Americans, our country. And that’s why this ceremony and this service is so important.”
Simpson recalled the thousands who perished on that day, and the thousands of first responders who have since died from 9/11 related illnesses and those who continue to suffer from disease brought on by the toxins released from the wreckage.
“They were just everyday Americans who came to help their fellow Americans and support their country. So, it’s important we remember all of those people, but it’s also important — we have an obligation and a responsibility — to be here every single year, to educate and teach younger people that weren’t there 25 years ago, so that we all know what it means to be an American.”
New York State Senator Dan Stec also addressed the crowd, saying, “Let’s try to channel the emotion that we take from this day into positive action tomorrow as Americans, as neighbors to one another, look out for one another, realize that it’s a rough world and there’s evil in it.”
Former Warrensburg Fire Chief James Hull performed the Ringing of the Bell Ceremony, explaining that the sound of the bell has special significance for firefighters. “Historically, the pull of the bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, and that units had returned to their stations. Departments also sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty, alerting all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Galloway Gaelic Pipe & Drums performed “Amazing Grace,” and WFC officers laid a wreath, which was followed by the playing of “Taps” by Warrensburg Junior/Senior High School Band Director Denise Foster.
In his closing remarks, Jason Hull recalled the lives lost on that day and the courage of the first responders: “Twenty-five years have passed, … Their courage is still part of ours. Their sacrifice is part of ours. And now, as we move forward, we carry [them] with us, not just in our memories, but in the way we live, the way we serve, and the way we care for one another.”
The ceremony concluded with WFC President Todd Lawson leading the singing of “God Bless America,” accompanied by the school band.
Earlier in the evening, Warrensburg businesses held a free community dinner in the parking lot of Hudson & Main Cannabis Company across from the town bandstand. Organizer Julie Garcia, owner of Hudson & Main, said, “I think it’s important for the community to come together, especially since it’s been 25 years, just to remember all the people that lost their lives and the people that continue to have health problems and who have also lost their lives since 9/11. And we just thought it would be a nice time in conjunction with the fire department.”
Garcia said that when she first had the idea of holding the community dinner, she contacted Anthony Fuller of Tommy Guns Pizzeria. They contacted other food service businesses in town, and everyone was on board.
The Bond, Bandstand Brew Works, Oscar’s Smokehouse, J. Gallop Farm, New Way Lunch, Canepa’s Pizza, The Guac Box, Tommy Guns, and the Deli & Meat Store of the North donated chafing pans and platters of food, trays of desserts, and coolers full of drinks. Approximately 100 people attended the community dinner.
photos: Warrensburg Fire Company 9/11 Memorial Service 2026
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