Firefighters from across southern New England received some of the loudest cheers from the Bristol Fourth of July crowd Monday morning, as they marched in remembrance of the 343 first responders who …
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Firefighters from across southern New England received some of the loudest cheers from the Bristol Fourth of July crowd Monday morning, as they marched in remembrance of the 343 first responders who died in the Sept. 11 attacks 20 years ago this September.
More than 150 firefighters from across the region marched with the Warren Fire Department, after a months-long effort by Warren Fire Chief James Sousa to put together a float and march that honored those sacrifices 20 years ago.
Chief Sousa spent months making phone calls and sending emails, searching for first responders who could travel to Bristol for the parade. Though the Covid-19 pandemic made it difficult to secure 343 marchers, he said he was happy to get commitments from as many fire fighters as he did.
Meanwhile, the department built a float that recreated the iconic photograph of first responders raising an American flag at Ground Zero.
Chief Sousa said it was no coincidence that those who marched with the float wore their turnout gear of bunker pants and boots, suspenders and helmets.
"That's what the fire fighters were wearing that day," he said.