Efforts to bring the steel to the township started two years ago. Downie said a private donor funded the entire trip — from gas to insurance — in lieu of the taxpayers footing the bill.
“Getting the steel was a reflection of never forgetting,” Downie said. “We’re very fortunate to have this piece of history.”
Eventually, Downie said, the steel would be installed into a permanent public viewing area inside Station 211 or a new fire station.
“I hope (the citizens) share the same emotion (as I),” Downie said. “They can see firsthand the destruction ... the terror others went through.”
Helen Wetenkamp, 77, of Fairfield said the steel’s presence is something the township should be proud of.
“It’s to pay honor to all those who fought for those who didn’t make it,” Wetenkamp said. “It’s an honor to Fairfield to be singled out like that.” The steel’s debut was something Michael Keller said he didn’t want to miss.
“We just got out of drill duty,” said Keller, 26, a former Marine and current National Guardsman. “It’s a piece of history that’s coming into our city.”
“Even this far from New York City, we still think about (9/11). It still affected us.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5073 or gando@coxohio.com.
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