Macon-Bibb County pays respect to heroes of 9/11

During the annual memorial service, several community leaders spoke on the value of community.

Macon-Bibb’s Fire Chief Marvin Riggins says each year he remembers how important service is to the nation and to those he serves everyday .

“As we commemorate the lost of so many members in New York City, in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, we also commemorate the lives of those who’ve given their all to protect and serve in our own community-Macon and Bibb,” says Riggins.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department’s Honor Guard presented the colors, and gave leaders a symbolic wreath and white roses to lay near the memorial.

During the ceremony, Riggins presented Sandie Parker, wife of fallen firefighter Randy Parker, with the first pin all firefighters will now wear in honor of those who sacrifice their life to help another.

Parker remembers her husband as a giving, caring man who died in the line of duty in February 2015.

She spoke to our cameras about the families who lost their loved ones on 9/11.

“I know down deep those families they’re not alone,” Parker says, “They’re not forgotten because a firefighter family is not just your community. It is nation wide.”

Riggins adds Macon-BibbCounty’s Fire Department lost 11 firefighters since the city and county consolidated.