By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” —Major General James Jackson

September 19, 2019 (San Diego) -- It’s been 18 years since United Airlines flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11 were purposely flown by hijackers into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Shortly thereafter, the Pentagon was severely damaged by the impact of an additional airliner and resulting fire. Hijackers also crashed a fourth plane into a field near Shanksville, Pa., after the passengers and flight crew attempted to regain control of the aircraft.

By Don Harrison

August 8, 2013 (El Cajon) – In the shock that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., partners Mary Carouba and Susan Hagen sat stunned across the country in California.  After a while it dawned on them that whenever they turned on the television, there were news stories and other acknowledgments about the men who were the first responders at the World Trade Center.  Always the men.  Weren’t there any women there?

Carouba recalled that New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, standing on the rubble of the World Trade Center, asked for a round of applause for “the men we lost” as well as for those other men who helped people to survive the collapse of the Twin Towers.  Later, President George W. Bush came to the site of the tragedy to praise “all the men,” Carouba related to a convocation of classified employees Thursday, Aug. 1, at Grossmont College.

Photos and Story by Mary E. Paulet

September 11, 2010 (Escondido) - In a scene reminiscent of classic Americana movies Grease and American Graffiti, 1957 Chevrolets and 1902 fire engines thundered up and down the streets of Escondido last night.