With a public remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11 at Branford Fire Headquarters, Branford continued its tradition of honoring the loss, sacrifices and bravery experienced on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony also continued the efforts, and recognized the dedication, of the late Joseph Higgins.

On Sept. 11, those gathered at Branford Fire Headquarters fell silent at exactly 8:46 a.m. to mark the moment, 21 years ago, when terrorists of hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center (WTC) North Tower in New York City. That attack was shortly followed by terrorists crashing United Airlines Flight 175 into the WTC South Tower. A total of 2,753 people were killed in New York that day.

Still more died in a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 overtook the plane from the terrorists who had taken control, and more died at the crash of terrorist-hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. In all, 2,977 lives were lost due on Sept. 11, 2001 due to the series of attacks.

In his remarks, William Hackett, retired director of CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Branford Deputy Fire Chief, provided a special remembrance of Higgins, a Fire Department of New York (FDNY) veteran and Branford second selectman. Higgins passed away June 5, 2020.

A Bronx, New York native, Higgins and his wife, Angela, moved to Branford in 2006 following his retirement from FDNY as deputy director of Dispatch Operations. Higgins led FDNY dispatch operations on Sept. 11, 2001 in Manhattan during the attack and collapse of the WTC towers and was also on site that day. Among 343 NYFD first responders who died that day, Higgins lost 79 of his personal friends. In Connecticut, Higgins became well-known among local fire department communities and sought as a speaker for 9/11 events. Since 2006, Higgins and his wife had been instrumental in helping to bring Branford together each year to remember 9/11.

In his honor at this year’s event, Angela Higgins, who has served as a Branford selectwoman since her husband’s passing, was joined by the extended Higgins family to present the second annual Joseph E. Higgins Jr. Scholarship Fund scholarships to M.P. Rice Co. 2 Firefighter Mark Hally and Branford Fire Department EMT Elaina Griffiths.

Hackett also recounted the events and numbers of those who died 21 years ago, as well as many more in the years since due to exposure at the demolished WTC site, as a “history lesson” to those too young to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Hackett especially directed his comments to the assembled members of Branford High School (BHS) Music Makers, who performed at the event.

“Today is a day to show compassion and respect, remember sacrfices, identify courage and share kindness,” said Hackett.

Additional remarks on the significance of remembering the bravery, courage and sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001 were shared by Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove. Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney gave the event’s welcome and Branford Police Chief Jon Mulhern led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the Marine Cadets of America and Branford Police and Fire Departments made the day’s Presentation of Colors, escorted by Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps.

Led by director Michael Martone, BHS Music Makers sang “The Star Spangled Banner”, “America the Beautiful,” and “Stand By Me”, and Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps provided patriotic music selections. Reverend Bill Keane, Branford Police Department Chaplain, gave the opening prayer and remarks and closing prayers. Firefighter Heather Adams recited the Firefighter’s Prayer and Officer John Campanelli, Branford Police officer and New York Police officer, retired, led the Police Officer’s Prayer. Branford Police Department officers performed a rifle salute.

The ceremony also marked the day with the tradition of “Striking Four Fives.” Branford Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Judd discussed the significance of the count of the tolling of the bell, which was sent out to local fire box communication points to signify firefighters had died in the line of duty. With all companies called to attention, Branford’s youngest probationary firefighter Thomas O’Toole struck the tones.

Judd also noted that O’Toole’s father was working as a New York City firefighter on Sept. 11, 2001 and responded to the WTC crisis.

“They lost 10 members that day,” said Judd of O’Toole’s father’s squad, adding that, on this morning 21 years later, “...his dad got up and went to work with Squad 41 in the Bronx.”