YOUR AD HERE »

PHOTOS: New Fire Chief Jake Andersen leads annual remembrance of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

News |

Austin Colbert

Share this story
New Aspen Fire Chief Jake Andersen leads the 24th annual Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the Aspen Fire Protection District station.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times

The Aspen Fire Protection District on Thursday held its annual remembrance ceremony on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

This was new Fire Chief Jake Andersen’s first time leading the free, public event in front of the Aspen Fire Station, after taking over for retired Fire Chief Rick Balentine barely a month earlier.

“Though nearly a quarter of a century has passed, the events of that day remain etched in our minds and branded on our hearts,” he said. “We gather not only to remember the pain and sacrifice, but also to affirm the unity, resilience, and love that has risen from the ashes of that tragedy.”

The ceremony was meant to reflect on the roughly 3,000 lives lost during the attacks. This included 343 New York firefighters who sacrificed their lives trying to save others as the old World Trade Center fell.

Thursday’s speakers included Andersen, Aspen Fire Deputy Chief of Operations Ken Josselyn, and Mike Tracey, acting division chief for the Aspen Police Department. Pastor J.R. Atkins of Aspen Community Church and Father Joe Grady of St. Mary’s Catholic Church also spoke.


“Today, as we remember Sept. 11, 2001, we stand in the shadow of yet another atrocity. We must be reminded of the unity and the love that we share,” Andersen said, a day after the shooting and death of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and a shooting at Evergreen High School. “Just as every single one of our speakers touched on, these things are stronger than hate. Let’s be reminded that sacrifice inspires generations and that remembrance is our duty.”

The ceremony included performances by Richie Zah (violin) and John Hammarback (bagpipes), the posting of the colors by the Aspen Fire Honor Guard, the tolling of the bell, and a wreath and helmet ceremony. On display in front of the Aspen Fire Station is a piece of steel that came from the rubble of the World Trade Center’s North Tower, presented to Aspen Fire by the New York City Fire Department in 2010.

“It has been said that a person dies two deaths,” Andersen said. “The first when their soul leaves the Earth. The second, the last time someone speaks their name. Let us commit here and now that, for these heroes, that second death will never come.”

acolbert@aspentimes.com

Show CaptionsHide Captions

Share this story
Local
See more