Students at Thomasville Primary School paid tribute to firefighters and police officers Friday morning on the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Penn.

First responders greeted students as they arrived at school with some children taking time to pose for pictures. TMS has held this tribute for the past couple of years, and Thomasville Fire Chief Martin Dailey called it “an honor to be there.” Kids interacted with fireman and policeman and the school played the song “Proud to be an American.” Dailey said one class went out to the flap pole where a student personally thanked those in attendance. Everybody then joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

“It’s a day of remembrance and a way for the teachers to say thank you to us,” Dailey said. “I enjoyed it. [9/11] changed a lot in everyone, but especially to the fire service. To have 343 firefighters die in one incident has never been heard of. It was a big shock and brought a lot of attention to fire service and what we do. We are a fire department of 61, so to hear they lost 343 is hard to imagine for us.”

Firefighters, regardless of jurisdictions, are one big family with the loss of one affecting all. Dailey looked back on that day and recalled being in a staff meeting at the fire station when news broke of the attacks. Being staff meeting were usually held at different locations, Dailey found it ironic that they were all art the station when the tragic events unfolded.

“One of the captains came in and gave us the news,” said Dailey. “We didn’t really have a meeting, we just tuned into the TV. The fire service is certainly one that pulls together. We’re really a family unit and it impacts you. I was watching the news this morning and it really brought back memories. It’s a day I’ll never forget.”

Thomasville Police Capt. James Mills said the tribute was a good way to bring visibility on public service and the risks first responders take in an emergency. Mills said that seeing police and fireman in uniform offers parents and children a way to reflect on the real meaning of the day.

“A loss of one life or multiple lives of uniformed officers affects the entire community,” Mills said. “I remember where I was when news came in that the World Trade Center was struck by not one but two airplanes. When we heard about the loss of all the emergency workers, it affected all of us. We realize the gravity of what we do and the ultimate price that could be paid.”

Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 888-3578, or at duke@tvilletimes.com.