Fire department to host Patriot Day Ceremony

Thirteen years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, reminders stand across the country. This month, residents will gather to honor both local and national heroes.

The cities of Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and Homewood are joining together to host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Patriot’s Day Celebration on Sept. 11. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Vestavia City Center and will begin at 8:45 a.m. 

The event is hosted by the Vestavia Hills Fire Department.

“This is a day to remember,” Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza said. “We will never forget this day.”

During last year’s ceremony, Vestavia Hills and Homewood joined with the City of Mountain Brook in dedicating a beam from the World Trade Center as a memorial. Erected outside the Mountain Brook City Complex, the steel stands in the shape of the Twin Towers to solidify the memory of that tragedy and the thousands who lost their lives as a result. 

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department recently shared exciting news about the purchase of two new pieces of equipment that will allow them to better serve the city. The department has purchased a Pierce Saber Fire Engine and a Pierce Velocity aerial ladder truck for $1.2 million dollars.  The fire engine will serve the Liberty Park area, and the aerial ladder will respond to structure fires throughout the community.