First Responders answer Call for Memorial

Four of Oconee County’s first responder units have answered the call to build a memorial to honor the fallen first responders of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Recently the Salem, Oakway, and Mountain Rest Fire Departments along with Keowee Rescue Squad #22, contributed more than $1,500 for the project. The 9-11 Committee Chairman Brandon Shirley says the committee is very thankful that the first responders stepped up in raising money to build the memorial. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for this September 11. The 9-11 Memorial will be located on SC Highway 11 adjacent to the new WalhallaHigh School. At that site, memorials will also be erected to honor those who died at the WorldTradeCenter, The Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The  9-11 Memorial Committee hopes to dedicate the new memorial on September 11, 2015.

Chief Kevin Wilbanks (right) and Tammy Wilbanks of the Salem Fire and Rescue Squads present Brett McLaughlin, secretary of the 9/11 Memorial Board with a donation. Together with donations from the Oakway and Mountain Rest Fire Departments and Rescue Squad #22, the four local first responder units contributed over $1,500 toward the Memorial project.

Bill Simmons, business manager for the Mountain Rest Fire Department, presents 9/11 Memorial Board Member Jim Alexander with a donation toward the Memorial project. Looking on is Mountain Rest Fire Chief Charlie Vissage. Together with donations from the Oakway and Salem Fire Departments and Rescue Squad #22, the four local first responder units contributed over $1,500 toward the Memorial project.