At exactly 8:46 a.m. on Sunday, the ringing of the fire bell echoed through the air. A hundred people sat in the shade with a cool morning breeze blowing in front of the Kilbourn Fire Department in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Fire Inspector Jerry Wolfram rang the bell, a solid nine times with a pause before ringing it one more time and then one last solid toll. It was at 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001 that the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. The resounding bell reverberated a wave of emotion through the crowd, tears fell and the moments following remained silent as all gathered, honored the memory of those who lost their lives on that bright, sunny morning 15 years ago. The event was also organized to honor the contributions of the Kilbourn firefighters on its 125th anniversary. Soloist Amy Tollaksen, sang as the gathering of people sat in reflection. The Rev. Matt Gehrke of Trinity Lutheran Church gave a moving speech recounting the tragic events from 15 years ago. “September 11th is so ingrained in our minds. We all have our own memories from it. It seems natural that we honor our local firefighters, the year of the 125th anniversary today,” said Gehrke. “It is overwhelming to think that people are willing to respond like that, knowing that their own lives are in danger.”