Jones County Fire Chief Thomas Coleman said this year’s walk up Stone Mountain was made special, not only remembering the sacrifices of first responders on 9/11 but the continued sacrifices of those dedicated to keeping the public safe.
Coleman said the son of Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy, who was killed in a Sept. 4 truck explosion, walked up with his dad’s helmet and members of the ROTC from Apalachee High School were also there.
Eight firefighters were there from Jones County with Fire Stations 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 represented as well as three members of the Gray Fire Department.
JCFD Lt. Steve Hall talked about the Stone Mountain climb during this year’s First Responder Appreciation event. Hall said 2024 was the 10th annual 9/11 Stone Mountain Climb and the fourth year Jones County has participated. He said 343 firefighters, 74 law enforcement officers and 400 additional first responders were lost on 9/11.
The lieutenant said the climb is an opportunity for firefighters to interact with other departments and the general public and a time to explain how the loses on 9/11 affect first responders.
“We do this in unity and in remembrance,” he said.
More than 20 departments from across Georgia participate in the annual event.
