California Police Chief- Fall 2013 | Page 18

‘We’re on our way’ A tribute to the heroes of 9/11 The following Cal Chiefs op-ed was published in a handful of California newspapers on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 - the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. Minutes before one of the World Trade Center towers collapsed around them, two firefighters from the initial wave to arrive on the scene exchanged the following over their walkie-talkies: “Chief, what stair you in?” “South stairway Adam, South Tower.” “Floor 78?” “Ten-four, numerous civilians, we’re gonna need two engines up here.” “All right, ten-four, we’re on our way.” “We’re on our way.” Simple, direct, powerful. 18 | Behind The Badge