By Sal Scarpa
Shawnee Dispatch – September 11, 2013
Shawnee firefighters joined their brethren around the Kansas City metro area to take part in Sunday’s stair climb honoring 9/11 first responders.
Shawnee firefighter Seth Buckley was chosen to design this helmet shield for the 2013 stair climb in Kansas City.
Editor’s note: Sal Scarpa is deputy chief of the Shawnee Fire Department.
When most people think back to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, they recall where they were at that time, who they were with, and the emotions that followed.
People are normally concerned about their safety, but often only subconsciously. However, events like 9/11 bring safety into focus and force us to evaluate our level of security.
The members of the Shawnee Fire Department are like most in our community. We reflect, we remember, and we evaluate our service. The men and women who came before us — both volunteer and career — laid the groundwork of pride and tradition in our community for those who followed. Since 1856, our members have provided a rich history of challenges and triumphs that has shaped our organization into what it is today.
Today, we continue to embrace the challenges of a changed future. We are more aware that not everyone supports our way of life and there are those who would seek to do us harm. We train our members in terrorism awareness and the dangers of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. We also recognize that terrorism does not have to come from foreign shores, as evidenced by the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City and the recent school shootings in our country.
This is a challenge that confronts us all.
While there are changes that impact our nation, we are also aware of changes impacting our community. Since those dark days in 2001, our community has seen tremendous growth, with a population increase of over 25 percent. During that same time, calls for fire and medical services have increased over 55 percent.
Our department has responded by relocating our station two in 2008, and increasing staffing at our headquarters station in an effort to manage response times. It’s an ongoing effort.
In reflecting on our past, we are also focused on our future. Today, fire apparatus in Shawnee proudly fly American flags on each truck, a tradition we started after 9/11. We have modernized our fleet of trucks to handle the increased call volumes and outfitted them with the newest technology to respond to fire, medical and rescue emergencies. We’ve added new firefighters to replace retiring members and always pause to reflect on those whom we have lost.
The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, is remembered by our local responders. Each year, numerous cities across the country organize a 110-story stair climb to raise money for fallen firefighters. Last Sunday, 343 local firefighters embarked on a 110-story climb to the top of the Town Pavilion high rise in downtown Kansas City, in remembrance of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the Twin Towers. The Shawnee Fire Department was well represented in this year’s climb.
Each year, to commemorate the stair climb, a custom helmet shield is created. A new shield design each year serves as the official logo for the climb. The shield is incorporated in the design of the awards, as well as all other marketing and advertising. This year, Shawnee firefighter Seth Buckley was chosen to design the 2013 shield. The significance of this honor was not lost on Buckley, who was both proud and humbled to be chosen.
The Shawnee Fire Department strives to meet the demands of our growing community. We remember where we were in 2001 and reflect on all that we have accomplished since then. Under the direction of Chief John Mattox, we look to the future with an eye on the past, cognizant of the challenges ahead.
We invite you to connect with our department on our website, electronically through social media or by visiting your local fire station. We value the input of our citizens and enjoy providing prompt, professional and compassionate service to all of you.
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