09/11/2026
🇺🇸 25 Years Later — We Will Never Forget 🇺🇸
This morning, our community came together to remember, reflect, and honor the lives forever changed on September 11, 2001.
Under the leadership of Public Safety Director Chief David Staub, the Payson Fire Department and Payson Police Department would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for this morning’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
We were honored to have Mayor Otto, Council Members Ferris and Bell, Councilmember-Elect Meyers, and Town Manager Coldwell join us in remembrance, along with so many community members, first responders, military members, veterans, retirees, families, friends, and organizations who took the time to stand with us.
A special thank you to our speakers, Fire Chief Gary Morris, Fire Chief James Stoltenberg, and Tonto Apache Police Chief Hilario Tanakeyowma, for sharing their words and helping us honor the significance of this day.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost. Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers who answered the call to help others and never returned home.
We also remember those whose lives were forever changed in the aftermath—the first responders, military members, survivors, families, and countless others who carried the physical and emotional effects of that day for years to come, including those we have lost since.
Twenty-five years later, the heartbreak of September 11 remains a part of our nation’s history that we must never allow to fade. We remember where we were. We remember the lives lost. We remember the bravery of those who ran toward danger when others were running away. And we remember the incredible strength and unity our country showed in the days that followed.
To everyone who stood with us this morning: thank you. Your presence helps ensure that the lives lost that day, the sacrifices made, and the stories of courage and selflessness continue to be remembered by generations to come.
Twenty-five years later, we remember them. We honor them. We say their sacrifice mattered. And we promise—we will never forget. 🇺🇸