The sanctuary of Northside Baptist Church filled Sunday with current and retired first responders as well as local leaders and well-wishers to honor those who serve and protect.

The program, Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard said, was a way for everyone to say thanks to those who maintain law and order in our area and across the nation.

“This is a salute to the first responders of Selma and Dallas County,” he said. “Today is a day to commemorate the heroic acts of the fire department, police department, medical technicians, military personnel and other persons who died, or were injured trying to save the lives of victims of the terrorist attacks. It is also a day to honor those who serve in Dallas County who responded to emergencies every day and make our communities safe.”

Sheriff Harris Huffman said Sept. 11 is also a day to celebrate the nation’s willingness to come together and overcome extremely difficult circumstances.

“We bounced back after Pearl Harbor was attacked and we bounced back after Sept. 11,” he said. “When tragedy happens we have no gender lines, no financial lines. Everybody comes together. And they did that on Sept. 11. Americans have a tendency of bouncing back. They look and try to help each other.”

When he first learned of the terrorist attacks, Selma Mayor George Evans said it was unbelievable.

On Sept. 11, he said we should all reflect on the events of the day and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“This is not just another day in the hearts and minds of the people of the United States,” he said. “We recognize Sept. 11 as a day to come together as a nation and offer our deepest and sincere condolences of the families of the terrorist attacks and honor the heroic services and sacrifices of those who aided the innocent victims of those attacks.

“The people of the United States will never forget the challenges we endured.”

Those who represent the police force, fire department and military also represent the ideals the nation was founded upon, Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said.

“We must never forget that even today our public safety personnel and our military personnel will continue to protect,” he said. “Our country was built on public safety and the military as well as those that felt the need for the right of justice and humanity. Service to humanity is what we all strive for in this industry. It comes from the soul, and it comes from the heart.”

Though we are 10 years removed from the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Selma Fire Chief Mike Stokes said first responders are still ready to react.

“We’re still ready to go. We’re still ready to respond whether it is here in Dallas County or anywhere else in the United States,” he said.

“We responded to the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, we responded to the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. We’re going to continue to do that. That’s what we do.”