Firefighters at station 7 in Barrio Logan were treated to lunch Friday. It was one of several gestures showing appreciation for first responders on the eve of 9/11.
Lunch was provided by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals 29 and 94. “We chose today to recognize them for their dedication and their service,” said ILWU Local 29 president Raymond Leyba.
Leyba and his co-workers have a special connection to station 7. They work nearby at the 10th Street Avenue Marine Terminal and whenever one of them needs help, the firefighters from station 7 are the first to respond.
“Anytime a longshoreman gets injured or anyone on the ship, they’re the first ones out,” said Leyba.
Leyba says they’re always appreciative, but especially now, ahead of 9/11, as they recall the 412 first responders who died that day.
“My voice is wavering because I still get very emotional about it,” said Leyba.
“People still remember. 20 years is a long time to remember something like this and the fact they’re out here, people are remembering and we have these remembrances, it keeps it at the forefront- the sacrifices that first responders make on a daily basis,” said Captain Cross.