Schutte said after news of the terrorist attacks, members of the fire department gathered into its quarters and was locked down until more information became available.
“Just because we didn’t know what to expect,” Schutte said. “Everyone was glued to the TV and the biggest concern was planes were everywhere.”
Schutte said he didn’t think Hamilton was a target, but that a plane could have come down anywhere. He said after the attacks the department took a more stringent look at high-rise firefighting, especially since lobby-based operations proved to be futile.
Schutte said the biggest change he’s seen since 2001 is the increase in collaboration between public entities such as police, fire and health departments.
“We need to work, train, and communicate together,” Schutte said.
Schutte said the firefighters he’s spoken with since word of bin Laden’s death have been happy about the news.
“Now we need to focus our prayers and efforts on worldwide peace,” Schutte said. “A chapter has ended but the War on Terror is certainly not over. We need to be more vigilant today than yesterday."