First responders honor 9/11 with Day of Service at East Texas Food Bank
Published 5:35 am Saturday, September 12, 2026
On the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, first responders from across East Texas came together at the East Texas Food Bank to honor the lives lost on 9/11 and demonstrate that the spirit of service continues to strengthen communities today.
Members of the Tyler Fire Department, Tyler Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Christus paramedics, UT Health East Texas paramedics, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office volunteered at the East Texas Food Bank as part of the National Day of Service observed on Sept. 11.
The volunteers spent the morning helping the Food Bank carry out its mission of providing food and resources to individuals and families across East Texas. Their service offered a powerful reminder that the courage and commitment demonstrated by first responders on 9/11 continues every day through the men and women who serve their communities.
“Everyone in this room remembers where they were on Sept. 11, 2001, when our world changed in an instant,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “As that day unfolded, we witnessed the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of first responders who rushed toward danger to save others—some making the ultimate sacrifice and never coming home.”
Twenty-five years later, the East Texas Food Bank joined with local first responders to remember those who lost their lives, honor the families forever changed by the tragedy, and recognize the ongoing sacrifice of those who protect and serve their communities.
“Today, we remember the lives lost and the families forever changed, but we also recognize that the commitment and sacrifice of our first responders continues every single day,” Emerson said. “They run toward situations others run from. They work long hours, miss time with their families, and carry responsibilities most of us will never fully understand. They do it because they believe in serving and protecting their communities.”
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For the East Texas Food Bank, welcoming first responders for a day of volunteer service created an opportunity to honor their dedication in a tangible way—by serving alongside them to help neighbors in need.
“Today, we want these men and women to know how deeply grateful we are for them,” Emerson said. “Their courage inspires us. Their sacrifices matter. And their example reminds us what service, compassion, and patriotism truly mean.”
The National Day of Service encourages Americans to honor the legacy of Sept. 11 through acts of kindness, volunteerism and community service. At the East Texas Food Bank, the participation of local first responders demonstrated how that legacy can continue through service to others.
“It is our privilege to serve alongside our first responders today on this National Day of Service,” Emerson said. “Thank you for all you do—and, most importantly, thank you for being there when your community needs you most.”
The East Texas Food Bank said it is grateful to the Tyler Fire Department, Tyler Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Christus paramedics, UT Health East Texas paramedics and Smith County Sheriff’s Office for their service to the community and for choosing to spend this significant day giving back to East Texas neighbors.
