MADISON, Wis. — Madison-area officials, firefighters and other first responders gathered Friday at Madison Fire Station 14 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony, organized with Firefighters Local 311, included presentations by the Madison Fire Department and Local 311 Honor Guard, as well as performances by Pipes & Drums. Speakers remembered the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93, including 343 firefighters who died while responding at the World Trade Center. Madison Fire Chief Chris Carbon said the attacks reflected both humanity’s capacity for devastation and the solidarity that emerged in response. “ That day certainly demonstrated the worst of what we can see and the worst of what can happen,” Carbon said. “It also demonstrated the best of our shared humanity, the best of our greater community, and the best of these collective professions.” Carbon said the events remain sharply remembered by those who experienced them, while newer firefighters face the responsibility of learning what happened and understanding the courage shown by responders. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway focused on the price of public service, including the deaths, injuries, trauma and illnesses that have affected responders, residents and families over the past quarter-century. “When we think about what happened on 9-11, it’s a reminder for all of us that some public servants, far too many public servants, have paid the ultimate price,” Rhodes-Conway said. Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said the anniversary remains a moment to acknowledge how the attacks changed families and communities. She urged people to continue supporting those who serve, including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and 911 call-takers. “Service is a sacrifice, but it is also a real duty and an honor and a privilege,” Agard said. Madison Police Assistant Chief Matt Tye also addressed the continuing health consequences of the attacks. He said 71 members of the New York Police Department and Port Authority police died, in addition to the 343 New York City firefighters killed that day. Nearly 50,000 first responders and community members have since been diagnosed with cancers linked to 9/11 exposures, Tye said. Tye said officials failed to adequately warn responders and the public about hazardous air conditions during the recovery and cleanup around Ground Zero. He described transparency and accountability as essential to the ongoing process of healing. The ceremony also highlighted a memorial made of bricks bearing names. Carbon said each name represents a firefighter who spent decades serving in a firehouse and serves as a reminder of the commitment carried by those who continue to report for duty. Carbon recalled being a young firefighter on Sept. 11, 2001, when colleagues and community members mobilized to help without waiting for detailed instructions. He said the response demonstrated a shared sense of responsibility and the importance of community support for first responders. Rhodes-Conway said Madison’s first responders provide reassurance to residents, while Agard asked the public to recommit itself to supporting people who have chosen careers centered on helping others.