On the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, fourth graders listened as local firefighter and Fire Training Academy leader Barry Burnside described the events of 9/11. Then he and his spouse, fourth-grade teacher Kerri Burnside, connected the students via Google Meet with firefighter Carl Schramm. Schramm was one of the New York firefighters at Ground Zero on the day of 9/11 when the World Trade Center towers collapsed after direct hits by terrorist-flown planes.
Students listened intently as Burnside and Schramm recounted not only the challenges of their profession but also the importance of community and support during times of crisis.
With classroom teachers’ guidance, the students had prepared 65 questions in advance, eager to learn more about firefighting and the experiences shared by the two men.
What did Ground Zero look like? “It was like living in a black and white movie,” Schramm said. “Everything was covered in dust. Everything was gray due to the dust,” he explained.
How long was it like that? “It took a year and two to three months to get the debris cleared,” Schramm said.
What did it feel like on that day? “It was hard to comprehend. It did not feel real. I was not afraid – we are trained to respond to emergencies,” he said.
What sounds did you hear? Although Schramm was trained to respond to crises, he did notice a particular sound – his and other first responders’ breathing apparatus alarms were activated. These safety devices are set to alarm when a firefighter is trapped or in distress. “You heard the alarms all over the place,” he said.
The visit by the firefighters aimed to educate students about fire safety and the experiences of first responders on 9/11. They spoke about the challenges faced that day and the importance of preparedness at home. “Exit drills are essential,” Burnside told the attentive students, emphasizing steps to take if they were ever caught in a building fire. Burnside showed a video from that tragic day, illustrating the impact of the terrorist attacks and the heroism displayed by first responders. “The whole world watched this unfold,” he said, highlighting the bravery of firefighters and other rescuers who put their lives on the line to save others.
Burnside stressed the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming difficulties, quoting Romans 8:28 to illustrate how God can work through adverse circumstances to bring about good things. One good thing both men agree upon is the relationship that resulted from their connection as fellow firefighters. The bond between Burnside and Schramm stems from their meeting at a memorial ceremony in Clinton, Mississippi, honoring the firefighters of 9/11. Since that meeting, they have collaborated to promote fire safety and the significance of community service to younger generations, and their families have become friends.
The visit left a profound impression on the students and teachers, who all gained insight into the realities of firefighting and the value of serving others. Teacher Kerri Burnside remarked, “It’s important for the kids to hear these stories. It inspires them to understand the significance of community helpers and the impact they can have.”
