Twenty years have passed, and yet the the surprise, anguish, horror, and disbelief of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 is forever imprinted in our minds and hearts. We united as a country and held each other close. As call centers were overwhelmed and cell services were drowning in volume, we desperately reserved hope for loved ones, team members, neighbors, and those we've never met. We lit candles, wrote songs and poems, and stood under an eerily engine-free sky.
First responders ran toward danger, many giving all. Twenty years later, their children have continued the tradition of service and sacrifice. [Two decades later, more children of 9/11 victims are joining the FDNY than ever before. - New York Daily News]
Memorials and museums have risen with artifacts and stories of heroism. Most recently, the National Law Enforcement Museum re-opened with their Post - 9/11 Exhibit, showcasing 20+ artifacts that include airplane fragments from Flight 93, a steel beam from the World Trade Center, a limestone block from the damaged section of the Pentagon and part of the damaged food cart from Flight 93 when passenger Todd Beamer famously said, “Are you ready? OK. Let's roll.”
Above all, we promised to #NeverForget.
To honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, we asked Bio-One owners across the country to reflect on that fateful day. Below are their stories.
I am a retired FDNY fireman. I was assigned to Squad 41 in the South Bronx. We lost everyone, all six, working that insane day. Me and the rest of the crew were down at the WTC site by 12:30 on 9/11. I worked down at the site for over 56 hours before we broke up into sections and teams. Long story short I was basically working at the WTC site for the next nine months. It seems like yesterday and way to many stories and close calls and everything to say in a post.
- Owen McGovern, Bio-One owner in Eugene, Oregon
On September 11, 2001 I was in Tampa Florida at a training for work. Was in a conference room with glass walls and there was a tv on outside the room that I can see and saw the broadcast of the 2nd plane hitting. Also took us 4 days to get back to Connecticut because all flights were cancelled.
This year we are sponsoring the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation golf tournament on Sept 11 2021.
- David Scott, Bio-One owner in Tuscon, Arizona
I was in Lakewood, Ca just getting up and getting ready to go to school. My aunt worked in tower 2 so we were all franticly trying to call her. By the grace of God, she was not at work. She was at an OB appointment when it happened.
This year, we will be participating in a stair climb which is the number of stairs in the twin towers as well as participate in a golf tournament to raise money and awareness.
- Rebecca Wallace, Bio-One owner in Flagstaff, Arizona
I was in between classes in high school in NY, laughing with friends and not a care in the world. Little did I know the ever lasting effects this tragic event would’ve had on my life. Teachers turned on the news in class. Just as the second plane was hitting. Juan and I were in school (yes we went to HS together lol). And I knew then he was in it and would sacrifice to fight back for our country. Even 20 years later, feels like yesterday. He joined the Marine Corps. We lost many friends, even still having to say goodbye to this day. All from the events of that one very sad day.
It’s a very somber day for me. No events. Just spending time with my kids and Juan. There is the 2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City Sunday, September 26, 2021, that I would love to do participate in. But, to be honest, going into the city scares me.
Very emotional day for all Americans. Hits my NY heart extra hard.
- Nicole Morales, Bio-One owner in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania)
I was at home in Denver with our 2 young sons, while Gregg Chiasson was in Manhattan on business. He had a flight later that day, which of course did not happen. We were unable to connect with each other for hours that day. This was frightening to me. Gregg's experience was live there in Manhattan. I'm so thankful that he was safe and made it home eventually.
- Cheryl Chaisson, Bio-One owner in Denver, Colorado
I was on my way to Tulare Western HS driving in my 1987 Dodge Ram50 truck to work. I remember hearing about it on the radio and I was in disbelief. Needless to say, I had to get ready to teach 160 HS students math and chemistry throughout the day. I don’t know if I made the right choice, but I decided to treat it like a regular day and went about teaching. As a young 29 year old, the gravity of the situation didn’t hit me like most. Other than saying a few prayers throughout the day, I spent the day teaching the best I could and gave student an opportunity to ask questions if it came up.
- Armand Amoranto, Bio-One owner in Oceanside, California
I was in Moscow Russia attending my first year of college. First time away from home. We had a math lecture and all of a sudden they turn on TV and we all stared in disbelief. We don’t know what is going on, we all thought it’s the beginning of world war 3. There were about 300 people in a room and we all stood up. Scary time. They sent us all home because no one including professors can concentrate but being scared on what’s next.
- Viktoriya Gonzales, Bio-One owner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bio-One answers the call to help our community and remediate a variety of scenes. From hoarding, crime scene cleaning, or simply giving back, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do.
Here is this week's Weekly Wrap-Up.
Arizona Law Enforcement Grant - Voting Ends August 15
Voting for the 2021 Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant is almost over. Don't miss your chance to vote for an AZ law enforcement agency! First place receives a $5,000 grant from Bio-One and second place will receive a complimentary brats and burgers catered BBQ.
Last year, congratulations went to the Snowflake Taylor Police Department. The $5,000 allowed them to purchase 15 fully stocked Modular Trauma & Bleeding First Aid Responder Kits, enough to equip every patrol vehicle!
Thank you to the AZ Bio-One offices for making this possible!
National Law Enforcement Museum Post - 9/11 Exhibit
Bio-One, Inc. is a sponsor of the newest exhibit at the National Law Enforcement Museum, Post - 9/11: The Evolution of American Law Enforcement.
As described on LawEnforcementMuseum.org:
Since 9/11 law enforcement has come together – in partnership with other agencies, the private sector, and the general public – to help make us all safer. In response to the threats raised by 9/11, law enforcement has seen changes in the areas of intelligence collection and analysis, interagency partnerships and information sharing, technology and innovation, training and preparation, and community engagement.
The National Law Enforcement Museum will present a new exhibition to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the officers who rose to the challenge that day. This will be the first exhibition to focus on the significant changes to U.S. law enforcement that occurred in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
The exhibit opens August 27, 2021 and tickets are available for purchase.
To learn more about the exhibit, register for the August 19 virtual conversation The Post-9/11 Story: Questions, Reflections, and a Museum Exhibit. This program will pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes conversations that go into crafting an exhibit about the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and life since. Learn more and register here!
What to Ask Before Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner
New blog post! Today, there are hundreds of companies that advertise crime and trauma scene cleaning, and a simple Google search may prove overwhelming when you're experiencing one of the most traumatic moments in your life.
To help, we've listed pre-qualifying questions to ask before choosing a crime and trauma scene company. Here's a link to our recent blog post!
Happy National First Responder's Day!
Thank you to all the amazing first responders out there! We truly appreciate all you do to help people everyday. We are honored to work with such great people so closely. Thank you, from Bio-One!
Exciting News! All of our Arizona offices have banded together to create a Bio-One Law Enforcement Grant in their state. Each Arizona office is contributing towards the grant and expenses associated with it. They'll be awarding a $5,000 Grant to a local, law enforcement agency. We love when our offices combine forces for a great cause! Help first, business second is what we are all about at Bio-One!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Matt and Krista Gregg from Bio-One of Asheville have taken the time to make some goodie boxes for their local police department and crisis advocates! These look delicious and are a great way to create relationships and show your support.
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Bio-One Des Moines is ready for Urbandale Police Trunk or Treat! This is a great way to be a part of the community and support law enforcement. We love to see our franchises making a difference and getting involved. What a great setup, Bio-One Des Moines!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
Joshua and Rebecca Wallace, owners of Bio-One Flagstaff and Bio-One Scottsdale celebrated National Thank A Police Officer Day this year. Here are they are spending time with their local law enforcement and handing out goodie bags as a thank you.
What a great way to show appreciation and a big thank you to law enforcement from all of BIo-One!
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
September 21st is National Thank A Police Officer Day.
If you know one this, is the perfect time to stop them and tell them how much you appreciate the work they do. If you don't know one, stop one on the street or pop in to a local police station to express your gratitude.
Men and women who make the decision to serve and protect our communities on a daily basis deserve our gratitude and respect for their service.
Throughout the year, Bio-One teams show appreciation and support of law enforcement. On 9/21/19, please take extra time to show your gratitude - drop off appreciation bags at the police department, volunteer to bring the department breakfast, thank a police officer, send a note of support, etc.
Bio-One is proud to back the blue! We support you and all you do for us!
Today, January 9th, law enforcement associations across America are celebrating National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Women and men who make the decision to put on a uniform and serve and protect our communities deserve our gratitude and respect for their service. All of us show our appreciation and support of law enforcement throughout the year, and we hope you take extra time today to thank a police officer, send a note of support, etc.
Thank you to all the prior Bio-One officers and all the law enforcement out there keeping our neighborhoods safe. We appreciate you!
This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with your local law enforcement. If you know someone in law enforcement, great! If you don't, also great! You might hear some interesting stories and get the chance to say thank you.
Events are held across the United States. Check out the national link below along with local Facebook pages, websites, etc.
https://coffeewithacop.com/upcoming-events/
If you know of someone in need of our services, please take a look at our locations to find the nearest Bio-One office near you. Stay safe!
