The week-long journey finally came to an emotional end as the four firefighters returned to Gig Harbor with one of the World Trade Center artifacts Monday.
, accompanied by and more than 100 motorcyclists, including Patriot Guard Riders, welcomed fellow firefighters Kent Cooper, Rob McCoy, Josh Bissenas and Ryan Watson in North Bend as they made their final leg of the journey to Gig Harbor.
They left for New York last Sunday, May 22, to .
As the parade snaked through Soundview Drive, the team was left speechless as hundreds of people packed the streets to greet their arrival. Drivers also pulled over to cheer for the four firefighters.
The procession made its final stop at the Gig Harbor Fire headquarters building where they conducted the main ceremony. The event included a flag presentation, prayers and speeches from Cooper and Fire Chief John Burgess, who thanked the four firefighters for their time.
The steel piece will be part of the 9/11 memorial that will be built in the future. While officials determine the final decisions for the location, Burgess said the artifact will be housed in the lobby of the headquarters building.
The local agencies that participated in the event included , West Pierce Fire & Rescue, Key Peninsula Fire Department, Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, Fife Police Department, Pierce County Pipes & Drums, Camp Murray Honor Guard, Patriot Guard Riders and Haven of Rest.
