A structural beam from the fallen towers of 9/11 has found its forever home at the Eastsound Fire Station on Orcas Island. Its journey began as many as 50 years ago with the construction of the original World Trade Center in New York City, where it remained steadfast for over thirty years – until tragedy struck. Since that day, it has become a symbol of hope, rising above the ashes and rubble, serving as remembrance of not only those who were lost but all who rose together in perseverance.
In 2006, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, PANYNJ, launched a program for distribution of the debris. Three years later Chief Mike Harris, who served with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue from 2004 – 2012, received a notice from the Washington State Fire Chief’s organization. It read that every fire department across America was eligible to apply for a piece of the structural building.