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Anne Arundel Co. Firefighters Work To Help Raise Money For 9/11 Families

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- For the past nine months, a group of volunteers has crossed the country, reminding fire and police departments about those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Mike Schuh reports on how the rank and file in Annapolis helped them out.

"We can never say thank you enough to these individuals and this is one more way of saying so," said County Executive John Leopold.

Reminders of sacrifice, vigilance and our freedoms.

"The firefighters from Manhattan Beach are going around raising money for the families and we want to say thank you to them and participate in this effort," Leopold said.

Manhattan Beach's volunteer fire department started a fund for families whose loved ones died on 9/11.  Twisted twin beams echo what once stood on what's now known as Ground Zero.  Now it's a permanent part of the police and fire headquarters in Anne Arundel County.  It's the perfect place to receive visitors from Manhattan Beach, Calif. who are on a nine-month bus trip to New York's Manhattan.

They're selling special 9/11 patches and stickers to firefighters wherever they go.  The money goes to 10 9/11 charity funds, but patches don't cover the cost of keeping the coach rolling.  Members of the local fire companies they visit are picking up much of the cost.  That way, all the patch sales can go to 9/11 families.

"Today we presented a chuck to the bus so it can continue throughout the country and spread the word," said Anne Arundel County Fire Union President Craig Oldershaw.

It's such a noble campaign to help those behind and it touches a nerve with police and fire departments.

"Our men and women in public safety made the ultimate sacrifice and went in to save others during this attack," Oldershaw said.

They know under different circumstances, those needing help could be any one of their own families.

"When you're involved in such an operation, your spirits are so high, you ride very high and it's a very noble profession to be involved with," said retired fire captain Craig Freeman.

The bus rolls to Ground Zero on 9/11 to donate what they've collected.  To donate, click here.

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