“It all began that morning, a little before 9:00 am Eastern time, a beautiful Tuesday that was clear and sunny, that suddenly transformed into Dante’s Inferno.” Those were the words of Officer Richard Feder, a thirty-year police veteran who spoke at a memorial service at Seymour Middle School on September 11, 2002. Feder has been a resource officer at the middle school for six years. His speech paraphrased Franklin D. Roosevelt in reference to Pearl Harbor saying, “September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in infamy.” His speech went on to say that on September 11, 2001, 59 years, eight months and four days from the first attack on our nation, we were attacked again in our homeland. Seventy-eight nations were affected that day, with loss of life from the terrorist attacks. It was a moving speech that was followed by members of the Sevier County Ambulance Authority, the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department and County Commissioner Ray Godfrey adding their thoughts on the event and the day.
Rod Davis, a paramedic and EMS Captain said, “It’s an emotional day. We are part of a brotherhood and we lost a lot of brothers that day.” Chuck Godfrey, Assistant Chief of the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department spoke of the response the public has given to the firefighters. “It’s been such an overwhelming response that everyone wants to honor the firefighters, EMTs, the police officers and all the emergency workers.”
County Commissioner Ray Godfrey commented on the requests he had to appear at different events. “Everyone in political office was overwhelmed with requests to appear at the various events going on around the area but since I represent Seymour I felt that I needed to be here in Seymour and be a part of the memorial.”
The students, nearly 800 6th. , 7th , and 8th graders, packed the John R. Wade gymnasium, many wearing red, white and blue. The Seymour Middle School choir headed up by music director Lisa Bitzas sang patriotic songs including “Grand Old Flag” and “America, The Beautiful,” while the band headed up by band director Dayna Walker played.
The day was dedicated to remembering the 23 police and 343 firefighters who died on September 11, 2001 along with the many innocent civilians. The memorial was also put together to help the students cope with the tragedy. According to Principal Faye Nelson, “Our staff talked about it and we thought it would be good to have this memorial event and let our students know how important it is to be good citizens and appreciate living in America. They were very quiet and reticent. It was a time that they will never forget because of the impact it had on their lives. Not just then but for now and in the future.”
Later in the day, law enforcement officers were invited to come to the school for the students to show their appreciation. Sevier County Sheriff Montgomery joined students and staff for lunch, along with Officer Feder, Chief Deputy T.J. Cantwell, Deputy Chief Steve Watson and Deputy David Laymon.

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