09/10/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2026
Sable Altura Fire Rescue Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
Arapahoe & Adams Counties, CO — Sable Altura Fire Rescue will solemnly commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks this September, honoring the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the enduring legacy of service that continues to shape the fire and emergency services profession today.
As part of this remembrance, the department will reflect on a deeply meaningful artifact housed within the district—a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center, obtained through a multi-year effort beginning in 2009.
After an extensive application and approval process with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Sable Altura Fire Rescue became one of the first agencies in Colorado to receive a World Trade Center artifact in 2011.
The artifact, measuring approximately three feet in length and weighing over 150 pounds, remains in its original condition as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and remembrance.
A Memorial Built on Meaning
The department’s 9/11 memorial was thoughtfully designed and constructed to represent the events of that day:
• A Pentagon-shaped concrete base, built to scale
• Embedded markings representing Flight 11, Flight 175, Flight 77, and Flight 93
• Tribute numbers honoring the fallen:
- 343 Firefighters
- 34 EMS Personnel
- 60 Law Enforcement Officers
- 1 K9 Officer
At its center stands the World Trade Center steel—unaltered, weathered, and preserved to maintain its historical integrity and emotional impact.
Honoring the Legacy of Service
“The events of September 11th shaped an entire generation of first responders,” said department leadership. “Many in our profession chose this path because of what they witnessed that day. This memorial stands not only as a tribute—but as a commitment.”
From the initial request letter in 2009 to the final delivery of the steel artifact, the journey reflects the department’s dedication to ensuring that the events of 9/11 are never forgotten.
25 Years Later — We Remember
On this 25th anniversary, Sable Altura Fire Rescue joins agencies across the nation in remembering:
• The civilians who lost their lives
• The passengers of Flight 93 who acted with courage
• The first responders who answered the call without hesitation
• The families forever changed by that day
“We promised we would NEVER FORGET.”
COMMUNITY INVITATION
The community is invited to join us at the Sable Altura 9/11 Memorial and take part in honoring those who were lost, and those who continue to serve.
At 6:46 am (8:46 EST), we will toll the “Three Fives” on a brass bell.
The 5-5-5 signal in the history of the fire service, signifies that firefighters are “going home”. For that reason, we have chosen the “Three Fives” variant, over the “Four Fives”.
We will then have a moment of silence to fulfill our promise to NEVER FORGET.
For any questions regarding this information, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].
The Sable Altura Fire Protection District is a Special District under the State of Colorado, and encompasses over 26 square miles in areas of unincorporated Arapahoe County, Adams County, and Commerce City, Colorado.
The District is served 24 hours a day, seven days a week with an all-Hazards response by a combination of paid career and volunteer staff. The District Administrative Offices are at 26900 E. Colfax
Ave #52, Arapahoe County, Colorado 80018.
For inquiries, please contact our Public Information Officer at 303-364-7187.
