Travis firefighters hold Run for the Fallen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shelby R. Horn
  • 349 AMW
15 years ago, the country was forever changed when terrorists flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center buildings in New York City.

On that fateful day, 343 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. To honor those fallen firefighters, the 60th and 349th Civil Engineer Squadrons put together a Run for the Fallen.

The run, which began under an American flag hung between two fire trucks, was 3.43 miles in length and was open to anyone who wanted to participate.

“Today’s event was about the 343 firefighters that died during 9/11, but it’s also about the police, fire and medical agencies that protect us every day and we don’t even think about,” said Tech. Sgt. Gary Rondeau, 60th CES noncommissioned officer in charge of emergency communications center.

The event began with sharing of personal accounts from 9/11 survivors, followed by the reciting of the firefighter’s prayer and ringing of the firefighter’s bell.

“I was able to recite the firefighter’s prayer today, which is very special for firefighters,” said Airman 1st Class Martin Baghien, 349th CES firefighter. “For the 349th and the 60th to work together and to be able to participate with our active duty brothers and be equal, it’s a huge privilege.”

While the run was hosted by the military, it included support from the local community as well.

“We cannot do this without our community. It’s something we want to do every year and the more support we get the better,” said Rondeau. “We appreciate everyone that has reached out and has helped with things such as buying a shirt or even calling to ask how they can help out. We also have the Suisun Fire Department here providing a truck and support. Our relationship with Suisun is phenomenal.”

Suisun City Fire Capt. Marc Renucci agrees with Rondeau.
“We have many former military in Suisun with us, prior and reserve, from all different career fields; I myself retired from Travis,” said Renucci. “On 9/11, I was driving to the main gate when I got a call from my ex-wife telling me to listen to the news. Being former military and civil service, being a part of an event like this is major.”

Every participant received a commemorative t-shirt.

“The shirts are a pride thing in the fire department,” said Rondeau. “But it also makes us proud to see them being worn out in the community and it’s a good reminder of what happened 15 years ago.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which supports families of firefighters that have died in the line of duty.