Mayor recognizes first responders ahead of 9/11 anniversary

Mayor Gregg Hull recognized the upcoming 9/11 remembrance day by showing appreciation for local first responders at the Aug. 24 Governing Body meeting.

“Rio Rancho has the finest police and fire departments in the state, and we just are so appreciative of everything they do to keep our community safe. They show up on our worst day to try and make it a little bit better,” Hull said as Fire Chief DeFellippo and Police Chief Stewart Steele stood with other officers behind him.

Hull added that the recently graduated firefighter academy class joined the force.

Steele and DeFillippo were both invited to say a few words.

“I am honored to be here, and I am honored for the proclamation. I feel like I am taking someone else’s thunder. I wasn’t in New York that day, but I do know from my perspective it’s an honor and a pleasure to be able to serve our community,” Steele said.

He added that he and others will do their best to keep the community safe.

“Rio Rancho has continuously shown up and supported and remembered the 9/11 event. It’s important to pass it on to our children, future firefighters and police officers so that we never forget,” DeFillippo said.

Councilor Bob Tyler also had some thoughts to add as he was taking an exam for SWAT that day.

“None of us will ever forget where we were that day,” Tyler said.

There will be the annual 9/11 ceremony at the Vista Verde Cemetery Sept. 11 to commemorate the 2001 attacks.

The next Governing Body meeting is set for Sept. 14.