AMHERST — On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, local firefighters, police officers and other first responders received recognition at an annual luncheon in the Mill District Friday afternoon.
For area legislators who attended the event, put on by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, there was a chance to offer them thanks for the risks they take on the job, as well as to make pledges to strengthen legislation that will assist first responders and their families.
Sen. Jacob Oliveira, D-Ludlow, said he continues to seek changes in the state’s Heart Law adopted in 1950, which leaves some police officers, including those who work for the University of Massachusetts and community colleges, without coverage for heart ailments associated with their work.
“We need to make sure policies adopted in the commonwealth reflect this service, but make sure to protect you for years to come,” Oliveira said, observing that the health effects from those who worked at Ground Zero continue.
Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, expressed appreciation for what first responders do. “You run toward dangers when everyone else goes the other way,” Comerford said.
Comerford said that understanding the health effects of the work has led the Legislature to pass the no-cost cancer screening for firefighters, and ban forever chemicals from being used in firefighter turnout gear.
“There’s more to do to be equal to the service you bring to communities,” Comerford said.
Rep. Aaron Saunders, D-Belchertown, said the Legislature will be there to back up the work done by first responders. “Thank you for continuing to answer the call,” Saunders said.
The invitation went out to first responders from Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Shutesbury, Pelham and Sunderland, who gathered under a large tent and had a meal catered by 3 Amigos restaurant, with ice cream from Herrell’s and water from Atkins.
Chamber Executive Director Jacob Robinson began his presentation by crediting the sacrifices, professionalism and courage, and held a moment of silence for those who died a quarter century earlier.
And while not approaching the scale of what happened on Sept. 11, Robinson observed the regionwide response to the Olympia Place fire last November, which destroyed the building with more than 200 occupants, with all able to get out safely.
The luncheon concluded with Kevin Whitney, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, thanking first responders for their dedication.
“We want to thank you that you’re available to our community when our community needs you most,” Whitney said.
