Firefighters call off 9-11 ceremony in face of pandemic

The Columbus Fire Department is announcing the cancelation of this year’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony, originally set for Columbus City Hall.

Fire Chief Andy Lay said that efforts to reduce Covid-19 exposure risks to community members and local public safety officers led to the cancellation. He said it was difficult decision to cancel the event, but believes it was the right call to protect public health and safety.

As an alternative, the Columbus Fire Department will produce a remembrance video tribute that will be shared on the fire department’s social media pages and the City of Columbus website, to be posted on Sept. 11th.

This is the 19th anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Firefighters hope to be able to hold an in-person event next year for the 20th anniversary.