Pastor Dave Anderson led a prayer after a moment of silence.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service personnel attended a small gathering Monday morning at the fire station to remember the events of Sept. 11 and those lost in the terror attacks.
After a minute of silence, Fire Department Chaplain David Anderson led a group prayer.
"Twenty-two years ago, this date September the 11th was seared into America's memory. Nineteen men attacked us with a barbarity unequaled in our nation's history. They murdered people of all colors, creeds, ages, backgrounds, skills, and nationalities," he said. "... We also witnessed something distinctly American: ordinary citizens, rising to the occasion and responding with extraordinary acts of heroism and courage."
He recalled the bravery of those trapped in the burning skyscrapers, the bravery of the Pentagon staff who upon escaping the building went back in to save others. He recalled the courage of the passengers on Flight 93 who charged the cockpit saving an untold number of lives on the ground.
And he recalled the bravery of first responders who ran into the carnage, putting their own lives on the line for others.
"For many of our citizens, the wounds of that morning, remain fresh. Firefighters police officers and EMS still choke up at the memory of fallen comrades," he said. "Young children and teenagers still long for the parents who will never share the choices of their youth nor guide them to adulthood."
He concluded his prayer by asking for the continued protection of North Adams emergency responders.
"And God as we stand here this morning around the flag, we give you thanks for North Adams Firefighters, Police, and EMS. We thank you for the selfless acts of courage and compassion that are displayed every single day for the citizens of our area," he said. "I pray that your watch, care and protection remain upon all of the remarkable men and women who serve our city."
Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre then read the "Firefighter's Prayer," interim Police Chief Mark Bailey read the "Police Officers' Prayer," and Northern Berkshire EMS General Manager John Meaney read the "EMS Prayer."
Later that day, first responders met at the station for lunch served by Anderson.
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Big Y Investigates Conn. Skimmer Incident
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y supermarket discovered skimmers in two of its Connecticut stores last month.
In a press release on Monday, the grocery chain said an unknown individual attached a skimming device to one single terminal in each of its Naugatuck and Plainville locations. The skimmers were found on June 29.
Skimmers are devices that are illegally installed over or inside card readers at places like convenience stores, fuel pumps and ATMs to steal information off the cards. The FBI estimates that skimming costs consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion a year.
"We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident, and we notified and are working with law enforcement. We have inspected all of our terminals, and continue to do so. If we learn that any particular customer's information was compromised, we will promptly notify them and provide them with additional information so that they can take steps to protect themselves," according to Jade Rivera- McFarlin, Big Y's manager of communications.
"As a best practice, customers should always review their bank and credit card statements for any signs of fraudulent activity and, if they have any questions or concerns, contact their bank or credit card company directly."
Today, the backyard sport has a presence on national television, merchandise ranging from boards to customized beanbags and partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and Special Olympics.
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The 127,626 square-foot retail center was sold on June 4 for $2.6 million to Guru Realty LLC of Mendon, with listed managers Nitant Raval of Mendon and Chirag Patel of Dalton.
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