Santa Barbara County 9/11 ceremony remembers bravery from first responders

NEAR GOLETA, Calif. - It's a day that's been etched in history, and in our memories, the terrorist attacks on the world trade center and multiple other locations that shocked our nation on September 11th 2001.

A ceremony at the Santa Barbara County Fire headquarters allowed a time to pause as a tribute.

Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig said, "We remember the actions of rescue personnel first responders, fire and law enforcement at the world trade center at the Pentagon and in the skies over Shanksville, Pennsylvania."

The event allowed time to remember the heroic efforts, the lives lost and the way the world has changed.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, "Our law enforcement guardians have kept a vigilant watch on our homeland and have moved swiftly to thwart threats against our communities and their efforts have been successful. There have been no other major terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001."

The ceremony was also a reminder of the valiant efforts performed daily by first responders on all levels to safe lives and protect the public.

Hartwig said, "I've heard courage defined as the desire, the willingness to engage in the face of that fear."

Brown said the heroic effort came as "they put their safety and their lives to the side to help others and ultimately tragically lost their lives and we just can never ever  forget them.

The flag was lowered and raised to half staff as the ceremony concluded to honor those who made the 9 /11 sacrifices.

One of the underlying messages of the ceremony for firefighters, law enforcement or the community is to never forget.