CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Several Bengals players, along with mascot Who Dey, visited a Cincinnati fire station in Northside ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11th, getting a firsthand look at the work local firefighters do every day.
The visit came on a Tuesday during the Bengals’ normal game week, a day players usually have off and often use to support local causes. According to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, 441 first responders were killed on 9/11.
Players tour fire station 20
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Shortly after players began introducing themselves at the fire house, an emergency call came in and some firefighters had to leave.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said he could only imagine what it must have been like on 9/11.
“It was a very impactful time in our country and I think it’s never a bad idea to show support and love for the people who put their lives on the line for us then and now,” Allen said.
Allen, along with teammates Cedric Johnson and Colbie Young, took a tour of fire station 20 and got a crash course on what it takes to be a firefighter.
Players get hands-on with firefighting equipment
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The power behind the jaws of life tool took Cedric Johnson by surprise. Who Dey also appeared impressed by the tools.
A veteran firefighter is expected to put on 70 pounds of gear in two minutes or less. It took rookie wide receiver Colbie Young longer to get dressed while his teammates looked on.
“Does this give you an appreciation of what these guys do? Oh absolutely. I mean, I thought our gear was heavy. This is the next level,” Young said.
Fire captain reflects on 9/11
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Some of the firefighters at the station were too young to remember 9/11 but are aware of what that day meant to their profession.
Fire Captain Joe Desmond said the day reflects what the fire service is about.
“It goes to exactly what the fire service is all about is no matter what the challenge, we’ll do our best to have the best outcome possible and those men and women on that day did the best they could to help thousands and thousands of countless people,” Desmond said.
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