Firefighters Ball

Joint Base Elmendorf and Richardson Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief William Bennyhoff presents a gift on behalf of the JBER Fire and Emergency Services, to retired New York battalion fire chief and guest speaker Dan Daly as a token of appreciation. Chief Daly was the guest speaker at the 13th Annual Firefighter's Ball at The Susitna Club Nov. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffan)

Firefighter Ball

Senior Airman Christopher Lee picks up the white rose, a symbol to remind families and loved ones of firefighters who have fallen, during the Fallen Firefighter's Ceremony Nov. 18. Airman Lee, 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron, participated in the ceremony at the JBER Firefighter's Ball. (U. S. Air Force Photo by Airman First Class Jonathan Steffen)

Ball honors fallen firefighters

Published Dec. 7, 2006
By Airman David Carbajal
3rd Wing Public Affairs

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- More than 200 people attended the 13th Annual Firefighter's Ball at The Susitna Club Saturday evening.

"This is an annual celebration of what the Joint Base Elmendorf and Richardson Fire and Emergency Services has accomplished through out the year," said Schollie Goodman, chief's administrative assistant.

The night consisted of dinner, annual awards and a speech from Dan Daly, retired New York City battalion fire chief who experienced the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 firsthand.
Shortly following the awards ceremony, the guest speaker, Chief Daly told his story about the morning of Sept. 11.

"There was a news report that was at ground zero. A lady, she was calling in a news report and she's describing the top of the building, and these were her words. 'There is smoke covering the top of the building ... wait smoke is now covering the entire building.' After a short pause, she said 'smoke is starting to clear ... oh my God, oh my God, the building is GONE.'"

"It's hard to describe to you what I felt in the pit of my stomach when I heard that," he said. Chief Daly was one of many to respond to the tragic events after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Since the attack, he has made it his mission to carry his message of peace, hope and tolerance throughout the world. Since retiring from New York City Fire Department in 2002, he has visited seven countries and 75 cities worldwide.

A photo presentation was shown to all that attended as a reminder of the horrific events that occurred the morning of Sept. 11.

"One thing we don't say near enough is thank you. Thank you for making our families safe. Thank you for protecting our children. Thank you for what you do," said General Carlisle in his closing statements.