State Rep, Emergency Responders Gather For 9/11 Ceremony

As the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Michigan House of Representatives held a ceremony Thursday to honor first responders and Michigan natives who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.

State Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, who represents Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore and other nearby communities, attended the ceremony with St. Clair Shores firefighter Sam LoPiccolo and Jeff White, who serves as chief of emergency medical services at the Richmond-Lenox E.M.S. Ambulance Authority, according to LaFontaine's office. 

"It is important to always remember those who gave their lives to protect us and to continually honor those who risk everything to keep us safe," the representative said in a news release.

After the presentation of colors by a Michigan State Police Honor Guard, World Trade Center survivor Patrick Anderson gave the keynote address. State representatives also read aloud the names of Michigan natives who were killed on 9/11. LaFontaine recognized Suzanne Kondratenko of Romeo, who was working on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center South Tower when the attack took place.

The Michigan House plans to make the ceremony an annual one.