The J. Harley Bonds Career Center Firefighting Program students have been honoring the heroes of 9/11 in a special way for the past several years.
“It’s very important that they understand what their 343 cohorts went through that day,” instructor and former Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey said.
The students walk from the career center, down Main Street, and arrive at the Greer Fire Department. They take the journey in full turnout gear and carrying an American Flag.
“That’s just a minor thing, compared to what they went through that day,” Harvey said.
Program director and former Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey says the events of 9/11 influence a lot of what his students learn in class.
“We talk about safety constantly, and we talk about the changes that have occurred in the fire service since 911 occurred,” Harvey said.
He says, at this point in his career, many of these students weren’t even born when 9/11 happened, but he remembers the day clearly.
“I was sitting in the city administrators office down here in the secretary, came in and told us that a plane hit the world trade center,” Harvey said.
He says, it’s just one reason why traditions like this are important, and why he’s proud to have a part in raining the next generation of firefighters.
“Somebody’s got to be left to take over and these kids are doing a great job,” Harvey said.