FIREFIGHTERS from the Isle of Man will be in New York next week for the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
Two officers from the Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service will attend a ceremony, along with hundreds of others, in tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre collapsed.
It’s not the first time that fire officers from the Isle of Man have visited their colleagues in New York. Manx fire officers have attended a number of the annual memorial services since 2001 in tribute to the 343 firefighters and paramedics who lost their lives.
This year the Isle of Man will be represented by officers Danny Dooley and Keith Moore who are taking time out during privately-funded trips to America to attend a special service of commemoration.
Isle of Man firefighters are staunch supporters of the 9/11 Fund, a charity established by the New York City Fire Department to honour their fallen colleagues and enhance community safety through volunteer work in countries across the world.
Ensuring an Isle of Man presence at the September 11 anniversary ceremony has not been straightforward, however, as Danny and Keith have faced a number of logistical challenges over their plans to wear the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Ceremonial Colour Party’ - the traditional uniform of a lamb’s wool tunic with military-style marching boots, white helmets, belt and axe.
Fortunately, local courier firm FCX Worldwide Express Ltd stepped in to help, and Managing Director John Campbell and General Manager Stephen Kimber successfully negotiated the myriad of customs rules, regulations and paperwork on behalf of the firefighters.
Mr Kimber said, “The amount of paperwork involved in transporting these uniforms is astronomical. The level of detail required is extremely high, down to the thread counts and origin of the wool used to manufacture the tunics. The main issue was obviously around the ceremonial axe, but with the help of our global service partners in the US we’ve been able to secure the smooth transfer of the uniforms.’
Chief Fire Officer Brian Draper added, “The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service is very proud of its association with the New York City Fire Department. Local officers have raised thousands of pounds for the 9/11 Fund and paid out of their own pockets to attend a number of memorial services since the tragedy occurred.
“So it was important to us to maintain a presence for the 10th anniversary. Transportation of the colour party uniforms presented a major obstacle, but FCX pulled out all the stops to keep our plans on track.”
Keith Moore added, “I am sure it will be a very moving and emotional occasion. There is a real sense of camaraderie among firefighters who are essentially doing the same job all over the world. Danny and I will be proud to wear the Isle of Man uniform in New York and join colleagues from many other countries in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
