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POSTED: Friday, Sep. 11, 2009

Lynden honors local police, firefighters in 9/11 commemoration

LYNDEN - For an hour Friday morning, Sept. 11, the world was a little more peaceful and friendly for local law enforcement and firefighters.

Representatives from the Lynden Police Department, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol and the local fire department were all on hand for Hero's Day at Christian Health Care Center, a 24-hour skilled nursing facility. This is the second year for the event, which is meant to commemorate the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and to allow staff and residents to get to know local law enforcement and firefighters.

"We wrote thank you notes to all the people here," said resident Leora Haynes. "I appreciate everything they do. It's a sacrifice and we really need them. These guys are brave."

For Haynes, whose son is a firefighter in Bellingham, the event is a time of gratitude and reflection for those who died in service on Sept. 11.

"We should all be thankful for what we've got," she said. "And we should be great encouragers to the people who work in the area and protect us."

Resident Richard Myhre has a son in the fire department in Everson and a grandson in the Lynden Police Department. He loves the chance to meet others in law enforcement and fire, and he really enjoys checking out their vehicles.

"Everyone is still a kid at heart in some ways, so when a fire truck is here or a police car, it's fun to see them up close and personal," said Kathy Marks, volunteer coordinator for Christian Health Care Center.

Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Gatterman got a chance to chat about his motorcycle with resident Phyllis Harder. He started it up for her, joking that it sounded like a lawnmower, and she lamented the fact that it was a BMW rather than a Harley Davidson.

"It just turns out to be a fantastic time for our residents, staff and volunteers to thank our local heroes for keeping us safe," said Marks, noting that throughout the morning about 40 residents came out to talk with officers. "This is a positive thing. It's not a crime scene or an accident or a fire. Just to listen to the conversations is just wonderful."

For Sheriff Bill Elfo, the respect is mutual, and he loves to have the chance to interact with residents.

"These are people from the greatest generation, and they respect what first responders do," Elfo said. "It's good to take time out of the day and honor them as well. I look forward to this, especially on a nice, bright, sunshiny day."