09/12/2026
🇺🇸9/11 Memorial Event & Remembrance Hike recap:
Today, your Missoula Firefighters IAFF Local 271 along with support from the Missoula Fire Department gathered to honor and remember the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the lasting impact of September 11, 2001, during our 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial and Remembrance Hike. And just like that very day, it was a beautiful day.
SR FF Erin Wilmarth-Klare welcomed those in attendance before remarks from Fire Chief Lonnie Rash, Mayor Andrea Davis, Assistant Police Chief Jake Rosling, and Retired COL John Harrison. The Celtic Dragon Bagpipes provided a commemorative musical tribute, while FF/ Marine SGT Parker Vaculik and FF Matt Wheeler proudly displayed the United States and Montana flags.
We were humbled by the incredible turnout, with a large number of our firefighters, fellow first responders from our Missoula community, City council members, and community members coming together to honor the lives lost and remember the courage and sacrifice demonstrated that day and in the years that followed.
Following the memorial, several attendees participated in a remembrance hike to the “M.” Along each switchback, signs share facts and stories from 9/11, creating an opportunity for our community to learn, reflect, and remember. The signs will remain along the trail throughout the day and evening.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make today’s memorial possible. A special thank you goes to our Assistant Mechanics/FFs Steven Pitman and Ryan Murer for their work displaying the American flag from our ladder truck along with the MFD members who helped set up, take down and provide assistance throughout the event.
We also extend appreciation to the 9/11 Committee for their dedication and countless hours spent bringing this event together: SR FF/Chairperson Erin Wilmarth-Klare, Captain Bill Bennett, FF/ Marine SGT Parker Vaculik, FF Lexi Harrison, FF Caden Venters, FF Grady Venters, FF Logan Zieschang, and MFD Admin Support Charity Stubb.
We are also grateful to MCAT Missoula for the recording, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KzbovxlwtM
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember those we lost, honor those who served, and carry their stories forward.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.
