By Mike Kinney
As part of an emotional annual tradition, members of local fire and police departments set off on 23rd Street on Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 9/11 Memorial Run.
The event began with a brief group prayer at Fire Station 70 in San Pablo, followed by a group run. Members of local police and fire departments participated in the run and were flanked on all sides by Richmond Police Department motorcycle officers and Richmond Fire Department trucks.
The group turned onto Cutting Boulevard before finishing the run at the RFD training facility at S. 36th Street.
Upon arrival, runners were greeted with the sweet scent of BBQ prepped by community activist Antwoin Cloird.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, San Pablo Vice Mayor Arturo Cruz, Richmond Councilmember Melvin Willis and Congressmember John Garamendi Field Representative Harpreet Sandhu all attended the annual tribute.
Battalion Chief Anthony Woodards said the 9/11 Memorial Run keeps the memories of those brave 9/11 first responders alive.
“We love and remember those fallen firefighters,” he said. “That’s why we do the memorial run every year.”
