Chief’s tribute honors 9/11 sacrifices

LaFayette Fire and EMS Chief James Doody uses front-yard display to remember FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and Chaplain Mychal Judge

BY MICHELLE KEY

PUBLISHER

EAST ALABAMA —  As the nation prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, LaFayette Fire and EMS Chief James Doody has created a tribute at his home honoring two men whose stories became lasting symbols of courage and sacrifice.

The display features the words “Never Forget” illuminated across the front lawn, along with photographs of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge.

Doody, who also serves as president of the East Alabama Regional Training Association, said both men hold special significance in the history of Sept. 11.

Siller was among the firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center that morning. His story later became the inspiration for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which was established by his family in his memory.

The foundation continues to grow under the leadership of Siller’s brother, Frank Siller, and now also includes Stephen Siller Jr., who was only 9 months old when his father was killed.

Father Mychal Judge served as chaplain for the FDNY and was present with firefighters at the command post in the lobby of the North Tower on Sept. 11.

Judge is officially listed as the first certified fatality of the attacks.

By placing their images at the center of his display, Doody connects the national remembrance of Sept. 11 with the fire service community he serves locally.

For firefighters, the anniversary carries a particular weight. Hundreds of first responders died while answering calls for help that morning, and their sacrifice has remained part of the identity and tradition of the fire service in the years since.

Doody’s display serves as both a memorial and a reminder.

For Doody, remembering Sept. 11 is also about remembering what followed.

“I really miss Sept. 12 and the days, weeks, months that followed when everyone came together,” Doody said. “Political party, religion, race — none of that mattered on Sept. 12.”

Twenty-five years after the attacks, the words stretching across his front lawn remain simple and direct:

Never Forget.