22 years ago, our nation’s First Responders demonstrated incredible bravery and selflessness in responding to the attacks on our great country. Their dedication to saving lives and helping those in need will forever be etched in our memory and hearts as we recall the devasting and terroristic acts of those cowardly forces. These destructive forces carried our fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters, our family and friends into the heart of devastation to rescue the fearful, wounded, and confined.

We step back for a moment, pausing to understand better the need for training, coordination of resources, and, most importantly, the leadership required to sustain a state of readiness that reflects our global position. The investment into the local emergency response community within the limits of the Wiregrass Metropolitan Area is innovative, and our community should remain proud of our abilities to train locally and attract those across the region through the Wiregrass Public Safety Center.

Although the attacks were hundreds of miles from the Dothan community, we propose that we persist in remembering our responsibility to continue supporting, investing, partnering, and advancing our local response community.

Thank you to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and furthermore, an appreciative applause to the families who have and continue to sacrifice, and who stand as a reminder that we are “Forever in Debt.”

In Reflection,

Samuel P Crawford,

Fire Chief Retired of the City of Dothan

Chief Executive Officer

Dothan Housing