By Jonathan L'Ecuyer
Staff Writer
—
Signal 5-5-5-5 is used by the New York City Fire Department to mark both triumphs and tragedies.
That's also the signal that will be transmitted over the Gloucester Fire Department alarm system on Saturday — a day when the city will join with millions of Americans across the country to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The FDNY sounds Signal 5-5-5-5 at the time that a fire is considered extinguished and all firefighters have returned safely to their respective stations. It is also sounded, however, in memory of a firefighter who has made the supreme sacrifice and given their life in the line of duty.
So Signal 5-5-5-5 will be transmitted over the Gloucester Fire Department's fire alarm system at precisely 8:45 a.m. — the time the first hijacked airplane slammed into the North tower of New York's World Trade Center — to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of nine years ago, and especially in honor of the 343 first responders who lost their lives that day.
Gloucester's remembrance ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Fire Station on School Street.
The ceremony is scheduled to feature the Gloucester Fire Department Color Guard; two musical selections, including Taps, performed by firefighter and bagpiper Jeff Romeo; and prayers and reflections offered by Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Deirdre Greenwood White, of the Annisquam Village Church.
Deputy Chief Stephen Aiello will offer introductory and closing remarks and Mayor Carolyn Kirk is also scheduled to speak immediately preceding the transmission of Signal 5-5-5-5.
Forecasters are predicting clear skies for Saturday — much like they were on Sept. 11, 2001. But the services will move inside Central Fire Station in the event of rain, officials said.
Rockport ceremonies
Joining Gloucester firefighters in honoring the nine-year anniversary are their colleagues from across Cape Ann, with remembrance ceremonies also set for Rockport, Essex, and Manchester.
Fire Department Chaplain James Koerth will preside over Rockport's memorial ceremony which, with its 6 p.m. start time, is the area's only evening service.
Koerth will be joined at the outdoor ceremony by several representatives from the ambulance and Police departments, as well as Town Hall employees, and members of the public.
As in past years, the half-hour service will include the Fireman's and Ambulance prayers, bagpipe music, and ringing of the bell at the nearby Methodist Church, said Fire Chief James Doyle.
Ladder 1 will also bear a plaque with photographs of the 343 firefighters who died that day.
Essex service
In Essex, that town's Fire Department will hold a memorial service at 9:55 a.m. in front of the Essex Memorial Fire Station.
"The short service is a day to remember those individuals who lost their life during the terror attacks," said Fire Chief Daniel Doucette.
Retired firefighters and the public are encouraged to attend, Doucette added.
Manchester memorial
And in Manchester, the fire trucks will begin rolling out in front of the station beginning at 9:55 a.m.
At 10 a.m., all firefighters and any members of the public in attendance will be asked to assemble in front of the trucks and maintain silence as Signal 5-5-5-5 (four sets of five chimes) sounds and the station's flag is lowered to half mast.
A formal minute of silence will follow, as will prayers, and another Signal 5-5-5-5 transmission, said first-year firefighter and paramedic Robert Cavender.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
Remembering 9/11/2001
Sept. 11 remembrance ceremonies planned for Saturday around Cape Ann.
Gloucester: 8:30 a.m., Central Fire Station, 8 School St.
Rockport: 6 p.m., Central Fire Station, 37 Broadway, Rockport.
Essex: 9:55 a.m., Essex Memorial Fire Station, 24 Martin St., Essex.
Manchester: Manchester Fire Station, 12 School St., Manchester.
