Sgt. Jose Camacho and his fellow Toronto police officers have been travelling to New York City to attend the 9/11 ceremony for the past 15 years and they say the experience is never the same.
“It feels different every year because there’s always something either new or different in terms of the events and stuff there,” Camacho told Global News Thursday morning as the group prepared to board a flight at Billy Bishop Airport.
“But what is the same every year is the appreciation we get, not only from the NYPD but the citizens of New York and most especially the Canadian families who lost a family member or loved one at the World Trade Center.”
Every year since 2001, over 140 Ontario and RCMP officers make the trek to ground zero to take part in a ceremony to honour the lives lost from the twin tower attacks.
“I’ve been taking down young officers and we went in the very beginning where it was a hole in the ground and it was very traumatizing for the officers to see all of that,” said 32 Division Supt. Sam Fernandes.
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Const. Mark Kalteis was part of that first group and says the experience is difficult to describe in words.
“It’s a monumental event and seeing all the people there, and not only the first responders but also the civilians and the families of those who perished, it’s quite moving when you see it happen,” he said.
“We’ve lost, unfortunately officers, and seen other officers from different countries attend and it reaffirms your commitment to service and helping the public, and seeing your fellow officers there you realize you’re not alone in the policing community.”
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The Toronto officers say showing up to offer support is the least they can do.
“They know we’ve got their back. Even though it’s a small gesture in terms of being there, they know we are there standing side by side with them,” Camacho said.