HADLEY — Residents gathered on the steps of Town Hall Monday morning, watching the fire department raise and lower the flag to half-staff. They stood there for a moment of silence that was broken by the sound of cars and trucks driving by on Route 9.
A firefighter rang a bell, four sets of five chimes. The 5-5-5-5 code signals the death of a firefighter.
Fire Chief Michael Spanknebel said prayers for the firefighters and police officers.
Lauren Triggs, the administrative assistant to the Hadley chief of police, held a flag with the names of emergency services personnel who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
In Easthampton, the fire and police departments gathered in front of the public safety complex. The ceremony was recorded on Facebook live. Officers and firefighters stood in a line, saluted the colors and bowed their heads for a moment of silence.
Police Chief Robert Alberti said 403 first responders died on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Because of their selfless acts of heroism,” Alberti said, “many thousands were saved.”
Alberti said the ceremony was to honor those who perished during the Sept. 11 attacks, and also to honor those who risk their lives every day to protect America’s way of life.
“Let us not forget the men and women in uniform who have died in the last 16 years fighting for our freedom,” Fire Chief David Mottor said.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.