Sister Of Fire Chief Killed In 9/11 Attacks Speaks At Ceremony

CANTON, GA — Cherokee County officials gathered Tuesday morning at the Public Safety Memorial in downtown Canton to remember those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Tim Cavender, public information officer for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, served as master of ceremonies at the event, which was held between the Cherokee County Justice Center and the historic courthouse.

Ellen Ganci Stearns, sister of Peter Ganci, Jr., the New York City fire chief who died in the terrorist attacks, also shared her thoughts on this 17th anniversary. On the morning of the attacks, Ganci was going to court for jury duty, but was diverted to the scene soon after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center North Tower, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services said.

Moments later, United Airlines Flight 175 plowed into the South Tower, and Ganci and others became trapped in the basement of the building when it collapsed, according to Newsday. While they were able to free themselves from the wreckage, it was soon clear that the North Tower would suffer the same fate.

Ganci, however, remained at the scene with William Feehan, first deputy commissioner of the Fire Department of New York, Newsday added. Ganci and Feehan were killed in the collapse of the second tower, the outlet noted.

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Following Stearns' speech, an invocation was provided and that was followed by the presentation of the colors and Cherokee High School band members playing the National Anthem. A moment of silence followed, and CCFES Lieutenant Cheri Collett performed "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.

Cherokee County firefighter, Lt. Phillip Shrout, also spoke during Tuesday's ceremony. Shrout enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following the attacks and later boarded USS Kearsarge to serve in Kuwait. His unit arrived in the Middle Eastern country in February 2003, just a month before the United States invaded Iraq.

Shrout's speech was followed by Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds placing a wreath at the Public Safety Memorial, a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps."

Images via Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services