Barrington Rotary members honor first responders at Sept. 11 luncheon

For the past 24 years, the Barrington Rotary Club has gathered on or around Sept. 11 for a special luncheon honoring the police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders who serve the Barrington community.

That tradition was started by longtime Rotarians Joe Kelsch Sr. and Gene Dawson in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks.

This year’s luncheon held a special significance, with the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

Held in the meeting room at Barrington’s Public Safety Building, the room was filled with police and fire first responders, who were joined by about 20 members of the Barrington Rotary Club.

They remembered the first responders who demonstrated extraordinary courage on 9/11, while also taking time to recognize and thank the men and women who protect and serve the Barrington community every day.

Barrington Rotary Club Co-Presidents Lisa Decatorsmith and Jeffery Alan addressed the gathering, remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day and reflecting on the extraordinary courage demonstrated by firefighters, police officers, EMTs and ordinary citizens.

“You show up when we’re at our most vulnerable. When the rest of us are running out, you’re running in. You protect us, serve us, and remind us that courage isn’t just found in history books — it’s alive in our communities today,” Alan said.

Their remarks also emphasized the importance of passing the lessons of Sept. 11 to younger generations, many of whom were not yet born when the attacks occurred.

The program concluded with a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives, their families and the first responders who answered the call that day.