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First responders honored

Robert C. Reed | Hickory Daily Record

Carol dePerczel and Capt. Dickie Harris from Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue Squad place a plaque under the Sept. 11 anniversary memorial tree as firefighters Russell Hedrick and Mike Walker look on.

By Richard Gould | Hickory Daily Record

Published: September 11, 2009

SHERRILLS FORD - A small group of firefighters and civilians gathered Friday morning at the Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue Squad at 4011 Slanting Bridge Road to mark the eight-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Catawba County Master Gardener's Association dedicated a variegated dogwood tree they had planted beside the building to commemorate the sacrifices made by the first responders who ran in burning buildings that day determined to save as many lives as they could.

The association members also want to demonstrate their appreciation to local firefighters.

"We still want the firefighters and the police — the first responders — to know that we appreciate that they're watching out for us," said Eve Deibel of Denver. "This is our way of saying thank you."

"They put their necks on the line every day for all of us," said Carol dePerczel of the Master Gardener's Association.

Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue Capt. Dickie Harris said he and his men appreciate the strong community support they receive and added that the men and women who lost their lives in the World Trade Center are not forgotten.

"I hope people never forget what happened on that day — a lot of good people died," Harris said.