First Responders, Officials, Residents In Mendham And Chester Remember Those Lost On 9/11

MENDHAM, NJ — Throughout the weekend leading up to the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, members of the community in both Mendham and Chester honored those who lost their lives at a number of remembrances, as well as those who provided help in the tragedy’s aftermath.

In Mendham on Saturday, Sept. 11, there were signals that blew out at significant times marking what happened during the attacks, Township Mayor Sarah Neibart said. The first sounded at 8:46 a.m. when the first plane hit the North Tower, the second at 9:03 a.m. after the South Tower was attacked, the third at 9:37 a.m. when a plane hit the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the fourth at 10:03 a.m. when passengers on Flight 93 took hijackers off course from their intended target of D.C. and grounded their plane into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania instead.

First responders held a remembrance ceremony on Saturday prior to the Brookside Engine Company’s annual clambake, where there were other tributes there, with Mendham Fire Department bringing an antique firetruck; and Chester First Aid Squad also with a vehicle on display.

“As we continue to reflect on that harrowing day, let us also remember the strength, solidarity and hope we have gained over the last 20 years,” Neibart said.

Audrey Gavagan, a Mendham resident who took photos of first responders on Saturday, said, “Growing up in Mendham, I’ve experienced firsthand how the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001 have shaped our community.”

“To me, the 20th anniversary ceremony at the firehouse reflected the resilience of our first responders, as well as the widespread unity and determination that came to define these events,” she added.

In Chester where there was a joint remembrance at the Gregg Froehner 9/11 Memorial, the Chester Police Department, Chester Volunteer Fire Company, Chester First Aid Squad and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, visited the “Survivor Tree” at the memorial, which has grown since it was dedicated in 2019.

“Our hearts and minds go out to the families and friends of the 2,977 people that perished that day,” the Chester Police Department wrote. “We will not forget.”

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.