Local Firefighters Gather to Host 9/11 Memorial

On Sept. 7, firefighters from the cities Loma Linda and Colton, along with other community members hosted a Memorial Ceremony and Ride to benefit Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and other local causes. Donations were encouraged for those who attended the ride and ceremony. Many Inland Empire residents came out with their families to remember those who suffered as a result of the 9/11 tragedies. Prior to the event, Quaid Harley Davidson and Loma Linda Harley Owners Group hosted a 9/11 Memorial Ride that traveled through Loma Linda and to the ceremony. The memorial ceremony consisted of a joint Honor Guard presentation by Loma Linda and Colton firefighters and members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Members of Firefighters of Local 935 Pipes and Drums performed to honor those who lost their lives during Sept. 11, 2001. Loma Linda Mayor Rhodes Rigsby, Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora and US Marine Staff Sergeant Jaime Magallanes, now a Loma Linda Firefighter gave brief speeches at the ceremony. Mayor Rigsby of Loma Linda said, “We are here to honor the brave sacrifice of men and women who put themselves in harms way in the course of their average daily jobs.” Mayor Sarah Zamora of Colton said, “Our responsibility is to always continue to have faith, because with that faith comes hope.” “We come together to remember what our men and women in uniform have done and continue to do for our nation,” said Staff Sergeant Magallanes, also known as “Maggs”. After the speeches, attendees were able to look at the 9/11 memorial site at the Loma Linda Fire Station, along with firefighter equipment.