The Twin Falls City Council has officially designated Patriot Week as a local observance, honoring the enduring legacy of New York City firefighters who perished during and after the September 11 attacks. Mayor Jason Brown signed the proclamation at City Hall on Monday evening, August 31, 2026, marking the formal start of the week-long tribute.
The designation recognizes the profound toll exacted on the Fire Department of New York. According to figures cited during the ceremony, 343 FDNY members died on September 11, 2001. Additionally, more than 600 other firefighters have since passed away due to illnesses linked to their exposure at the World Trade Center site.
Larae Saufley, director of the Magic Valley 9/11 Memorial, attended the event alongside other memorial representatives. The gathering served as a local moment of remembrance before the national observance period begins.
Patriot Week runs from September 11 through September 17. The proclamation aligns Twin Falls with communities across Idaho that use this timeframe to reflect on national security, first responder bravery, and the long-term health consequences faced by those who responded to the 2001 terrorist attacks.
The city’s recognition underscores a continued commitment to remembering historical events that shaped modern emergency response protocols. Local officials emphasized that the week provides an opportunity for residents to acknowledge the sacrifices made by public safety personnel, both historically and in contemporary service.
Source: Times-News