KYLE MURPHY Staff Writer

Tullahoma residents and city officials spent Friday morning at Fire Station 1 as the Tullahoma Fire Department paid tribute to the lives that were lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

At the Tullahoma Fire Department’s Patriot Day ceremony at Fire Station 1, members of the fire department, EMS, and the police department formed up at 7:30 a.m. as Toby Keith’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” played.

Tullahoma Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson welcomed attendees and said they were gathered together not only to remember, but to reaffirm and honor the lives lost 25 years to the day on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as recognize the strength that rose from the ashes of tragedy.

“Patriot Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a solemn reminder of the courage, unity, and resilience that define the American spirit,” Pearson said. “We remember the innocent souls who went to work, boarded flights, and never came home. We remember first responders, firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who ran toward danger with unwavering resolve. Their sacrifice is etched into our national remembrance and in the hearts of every community, including ours.”

He continued, saying Tullahoma knows the value of service, and it is seen in the fire department, veterans, the police department, and neighbors who lend a hand without being asked.

“Patriot Day is a moment to reflect on that spirit of service and ask ourselves how it can be carried forward. Let us teach our children not just what happened, but why it matters,” Pearson said. “Let us live with purpose, kindness, and vigilance. Let us honor the fallen, not only with words, but with actions that build a better, safer, and more compassionate world. May we never forget. May we always stand together.”

Next to speak was Mayor Lynn Sebourn, who recounted the times he visited his great-grandparents in the Ozarks, where there was no power. He shared that the only way the community was able to respond to emergencies was a simple bell, just like the one on the vintage fire truck at Fire Station 1.

“We don’t need the bell for that anymore, but we still have the bell because the bell has come to stand for duty and respect and honor, and sometimes is a commemoration of sorrow,” Sebourn said. “I’m proud to be here with our fire department representing all the citizens of Tullahoma. And when the bell rings this morning, it calls not just to the fire department, but to all of us to remember those who have fallen.”

After a moment of silence, the American flag was raised for a salute by members of the TFD color guard before being flown at half-staff in recognition of Patriot Day, followed by the performance of the national anthem by Robin Haas, and then the ringing of the bell on the vintage fire truck in the traditional 3-4-3 pattern, representing the 343 FDNY members who lost their lives assisting evacuations of the North and South towers of the World Trade Center, which was followed by the tunes of “Amazing Grace” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Then Pearson welcomed American Legion Post 43 Commander Albert Haas to present the Patriot Award to one member of the Tullahoma fire and police departments. Walden presented the award to Tullahoma Police Sgt. Justin Blackburn and Fire Cpt. Jeff Smith. Blackburn was recognized for his service, commitment to his community and dedication to improving the lives of those he serves.

“Throughout his career, Sgt. Blackburn has demonstrated that effective law enforcement is built not only through enforcement, but through trust, compassion, relationships, and service,” Haas said. “His commitment to community policing is exemplified by his creation of the Bowling with Badges program, which brings youth and law enforcement together to build a trust and positive relationships.”

Blackburn was also praised for developing the SHIELD program, an innovative initiative designed to provide officers with critical information to safely assist children with special needs during emergencies.

“Through these efforts, Sgt. Blackburn has demonstrated remarkable foresight and a genuine commitment to protecting the community’s most valuable citizens.”

As for Smith, he was recognized for his 30 years of service to the city of Tullahoma and the Tullahoma Fire Department.  

“Throughout his distinguished career, Cpt. Smith has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting life and property. This is the core mission of the fire department,” Haas said.

Smith was also praised for being a steady mentor, a trusted leader, and a driving force behind the department’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.

“His professionalism, calm presence, and deep knowledge have shaped countless operations and contributed significantly to the safety of both personnel and citizens,” Haas said. “His integrity, dedication, and devotion to service exemplify the spirit of the Patriot Award.

Memorial stair climb

A day prior to the Patriot Day ceremony, the firefighters gathered at Wilkins Stadium at Tullahoma High School for the seventh annual 9/11 Stair Climb.

After the THS JROTC presented the colors, the pledge of allegiance, and an invocation from Deputy Chief Jasen Damron, Pearson welcomed the participants for joining them as they honored the heroes who gave everything in the line of duty.

“Today’s climb is more than a tradition; it is a promise. A promise that we will never forget the firefighters who climbed those stairs on 9/11, and a promise that we will carry their courage forward in how we serve our own community,” Pearson said. “We climb today to remember their sacrifice, their determination, and their unwavering commitment to protecting others. Every step we take represents a life lived with purpose. Every step honors a firefighter who answered the call without hesitation.”

Pearson thanked the community for standing with the department and said their support strengthens the department and reminds every firefighter that their service matters.

“To our TFD members, your dedication, your training, and your heart reflect the very best of this profession,” Pearson said to the firefighters. “The legacy of the fallen lives on through the way you serve Tullahoma every single day.

He encouraged the firefighters and participates carry the memory of the fallen firefighters with pride and gratitude as they climbed the bleachers.

“Let’s climb knowing that courage is not just something we remember,” Pearson said. “It’s something we choose one step at a time.”

Then, the firefighters suited up and joined the JROTC cadets and other climbers as they climbed about 110 flights, or 2,200 steps, in five laps around the home side bleachers from end to end to pay tribute and respect to the fallen firefighters and first responders who climbed the World Trade Center to save lives. Several THS students also participated either in the stair climb or took laps around the track as the original ABC broadcast of the 9/11 attacks played over the speakers.

Each participant wore a badge, or several badges, with the name of a member of the FDNY who lost their life that day. When the climbers finished, they went up to the podium, rang a bell and read out the names they carried with them.