Fallen heroes remembered
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Fred Parsons, a former Presque Isle firefighter and longtime EMT with Crown Ambulance, knows all too well the dangers involved with either profession.
He also knows how committed members of both professions are when it comes to ensuring public safety and aiding those in need — having dedicated 26 years as a firefighter and 23 years with Crown so far.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
“FIREMAN” FRED PARSONS visited sixth-graders at Presque Isle Middle School during Heroes Week in 2008. Parsons’ visit fell on the seventh anniversary of 9/11. To mark the occasion, he talked about how those in the fire service were affected by what happened in New York City, showed pictures from his 2007 visit to the New York City Fire Museum, and sang patriotic songs. Pictured under the school’s 9/11 display are, from left: Kalie Ward, Bridgette Carrier, social studies/English teacher Peggy Kelley, and Parsons.
It was that commitment to serve and the fellowship that service instills in emergency personnel that hit home for Parsons when the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded. Parsons has taken an active role since that day, working to keep the memories alive, through such things as his vocal performances as “Fireman Fred.” What has left the most indelible mark in his mind, however, was a trip he made to New York City.
“The date 9-11, 2001, will forever be etched in my mind, as many brave FDNY (New York Fire Department), police, EMS, folks at the Pentagon and the souls in that Pennsylvania field all displayed heroic acts under the worst of conditions in their last breaths on this earth,” said Parsons, as he reflected on the tragedy.
Over the years, he said he’s visited various fire stations throughout the nation and has found each has its own tales of how Sept. 11 affected members.
“I have visited fire houses in New York City, Boston, Las Vegas and other places, and the sacrifices made that day have had a profound impact. As a retired firefighter for the city of Presque Isle, I know how lucky I was to have survived such a dangerous career, as many did not on that fateful day in our country,” Parsons said, noting his trip to New York was particularly heart-wrenching. “Everyone knew someone who was lost that day … told stories of what they saw and the losses they endured.”
In his travels since, Parsons said he’s witnessed firsthand the added security measures put in place as a result of terrorists’ actions that day.
“We now have more security measures in place at our airports. We have seen more firefighter grants awarded to departments to enable them to better do the job of protecting us to the best of their abilities,” he said.
In the aftermath, Parsons said he’s seen the people of the United States come together — defeating the terrorists’ goal of pulling the nation apart.
“I think there is a renewed prominence of patriotism and respect for not only our military but our police, fire personnel and EMS workers as a result of that very long day in our nation’s history,” said Parsons. “9-11 will never be forgotten. God Bless America!”
