Locals pay tribute to 9/11 fallen heroes

Community members in Idaho Falls skipped their weekend sleep-in to walk and run a 5K/ 10K at Snake River Landing.

Dozens rose early Saturday morning to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives on 9/11.

Those of us old enough to remember can tell you the exact moment we heard the news.

Jonathan Petersen, a runner in Idaho Falls, said: ” I remember I was in high school and saw on the TV the twin towers. They were crashing and burning. There was this disbelief and fear. ”

Steven Berg, deputy chief of operations for the Ammon Fire Department, said: ” I was in high school at the time, and I remember waking up and seeing it on the news. I remember walking my school halls, and it was classroom to classroom watching the news and seeing everything unfold. ”

Garrett Meikle , event organizer of the 9/11 Fallen Heroes Tribute Memorial 5K/ 10K with Paul Davis Restoration, said: ” I was outside of the country at the time on a Latter-Day-Saints Mission. So, I wasn’t even in the country at the time, but for six years, we’ve held this event to try and give back to our first responders. This is for their sacrifice and recognizes what they do for us every day. ”

Paul Davis Restoration of Idaho held its sixth annual 9/11 Fallen Heroes Tribute-Memorial run.

The event helps raise funds, but the group strives to raise awareness.

Meikle said: ” This is to not only remember what happened that day but to remember that we are protected by first responders. Police officers and first responders deserve our respect, and they deserve our help in keeping our community safe. ”

With memories of 9/11 still fresh, some find their gratitude for local heroes has grown stronger.

Berg said: ” When you first get into the first responder realm, it does open your eyes to the dedication and sacrifice that those people actually gave that day. We run on multiple fires calls a day, but the sheer gravity of what happened on 9/11 is just mind-blowing as far as the respect those guys deserve. ”

With the 18th anniversary of this tragedy near, locals not only commemorate those directly involved but honor the heroes who continue to sacrifice.

Over the last six years, this event has helped raise over $100,000 that have been donated to 9/11 charities and first responder organizations.

The goal for this weekend’s run is to top $50,000.