LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Across the U.S., fire departments and emergency agencies are paying tribute to the heroes who ran toward danger 23 years ago

What You Need To Know

  • Across the country, ceremonies and events were held on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks 

  • The Louisville Fire Department hosted a remembrance ceremony

  • Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, were among those who spoke 

  • Greenberg paid tribute to his grandfather, who was a New York firefighter 

Louisville Fire headquarters hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony Wednesday, honoring the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice 23 years ago. On display was a large piece of Ground Zero steel that is permanently displayed at Mercer Transportation, located a block away from the fire department.

“It was and remains the deadliest single day in U.S. fire service history,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.

Beshear spoke of a classmate and friend, Ted Adderley Jr., who lost his life the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. He was a financial advisor at the World Trade Center's North Tower. 

“Today, Britainy and I are thinking about Ted and his family that still grieves for him,” Beshear said.

The governor urged the importance of carrying on the legacy of those killed during the attacks and honoring first responders.

Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, spoke of his own grandfather, who was a New York firefighter. Greenberg displayed his grandfather's firefighter helmet and spoke of his connection to the New York Fire Department.

"I always think of my grandfather on Sept. 11 ... even though my grandfather had retired decades before 2001," Greenberg said. 

Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill spoke of the common thread between urban and rural departments and the importance of focusing on the lives saved that day.

“That was the largest, most successful rescue mission in the history of fire service," O'Neill said. "Thousands, thousands of lives were saved because of the efforts of the firefighters and the police officers, and we remember today, along with our brothers and sisters, that loss. We also remember the 365 firefighters who have died since that day from 9/11-related cancers and illnesses." 

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