LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey and Niles Fire Department Chief Larry Lamb were the guests of State Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Berrien Spring, during the Michigan House’s annual Sept. 11 Memorial Service at the Capitol.
“Today, I’m blessed to have Chief Lamb and Sheriff Bailey out here to come to the ceremony to remember those that died on 9/11,” Paquette said.
Paquette stressed the importance in honoring first responders.
“Having first responders out here is humbling, because when I would be running away from a tragedy, these guys would be running in,” Paquette said. “Having them sitting next to me today is an absolute honor.”
Rep. Beth Griffin, R-Mattawan, also welcomed Van Buren County Undersheriff Kevin Conklin and South Haven paramedic firefighter Dawn Hinz as her special guests.
“[I] just wanted to give them a shoutout today and welcome them to the 9/11 commemorative remembrance ceremony today in Lansing,” Griffin said.
Griffin also recognizes the importance of honoring public safety workers.
“I’m very grateful and very humbled and just want to make sure that the entire community understands that today, America stands in solidarity, rembrance, and eternal thanks for the sacrifices of the first responders and everyone who has already sacrificed, but also the people that continue to sacrifice every day,” Griffin said.
Additionally, State Rep. Aaron Miller, R-Sturgis, was joined by Sheriff Rick Behnke and Capt. Tom Jacobs of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department as his guests.
The ceremony is held every year to honor those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
According to an official press release, it also honors first responders and members of the military from Michigan who died in the line of duty in the past year.
