200 firefighters remember the fallen
Last month, members of Fonterra’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) were among the 200 firefighters who climbed Auckland’s Sky Tower stairs in memory of the firefighters lost in the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks in 2001.
It was also a day to honour the 60 firefighters who have lost their lives while on the job in New Zealand.
The event saw fire crews from New Zealand and the United States climb the 1,108 stairs in full gear, carrying a tally tag from one of the fallen firefighters.
Fonterra ERT lead and Shutdown Manager at our Waitoa site Don McLaughlan was one of the firefighters who walked up the stairs in remembrance.
“The climb is described as an “Anzac Day” for firefighters, with photos and memories of the fallen covering the walls on the walk up.”
Before the walk started, the names of the firefighters who died during 9/11 and while on active service here in New Zealand were read out.
It’s been 16 years since New York suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks the world has ever known. We have many people across our Co-op that also work part time as firefighters in their communities, so it was good that we could support this day and remember those that lost their lives in the line of duty.
US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown addressed the assembled firefighters and thanked them for being part of the remembrance, before climbing up the stairs himself in support.