Voorhees Mayor Mike Mignogna remembers where he was when he first learned about the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“When I first heard about the attacks, I was in my car listening to WIP Sports Radio,” Mignogna said. “When the first plane hit, it was thought to be a freak accident. When the second plane hit, it became apparent that these were terroristic acts.”
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of that day, Voorhees Township will be participating in a national moment of remembrance at 1 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2011.
“We are calling upon all residents to stop and remember the victims for one full minute,” Mignogna said. “We have also asked the Voorhees Police Department and Fire Department to sound their sirens and all Voorhees’ churches to ring their bells as a signal for each person to stop and remember.
“Obviously, the trend since 9/11 has been significantly heightened security, particularly at airports,” he added. “While some may view the increased security as an inconvenience, it is necessary and becoming increasingly more acceptable by the public.”
Mignogna said America was changed forever because of 9/11.
“Unlike any other war, the battle against terrorism involves an enemy that cannot be readily identified,” he said. “The loss of 3,000 innocent lives gave us all a new perspective about the freedom we should never take for granted.”
Voorhees Fire Chief Jim Pacifico was working as station captain in Kirkwood station when he heard the news on the radio. He quickly found a TV and watched as the towers burned and collapsed.
The fire district went into lockdown mode right after the second plane struck and two ambulances were sent to aid.
“First responders are phenomenal people,” Pacifico said. “They work extremely hard [and] don’t get a lot of recognition.”
He said the U.S. has learned that it is vulnerable to attack.
“Before the mindset was it will never happen here,” Pacifico said, noting 343 fellow firefighters died on 9/11.
“We’re usually the ones who rush in when everybody’s rushing out,” he said. “People need to remember the sacrifices that were made that day.
“Uncommon valor was a common thing that day,” Pacifico added. “With no regard for their own safety they went into the buildings to rescue and assist people. It’s what we do every day day in and day out.”
He said the fire district will participate in the memorial by sounding sirens at 1 p.m. on Sept. 11.
Pacifico said his department is now much better prepared for a terrorist attack or natural disaster. There is also a full chain of command from the local level to with Homeland Security and federal agencies.
“We get daily briefings and updates so we have a good idea where we are in the world for today,” he said.
“The event gave us a new appreciation for the brave police officers and firefighters who are willing to rush into harm’s way to protect us,” Mayor Mignogna said. “It is important that we pause and remember because September 11 will never be just another day in our hearts and minds.”
