The Henry County Department of Public Safety held a parade to honor first responders for their 2nd Annual Emergency Services Parade on Sept. 11.
By Brandon Martin
Henry County Department of Public Safety’s second annual Emergency Services Parade was held on Sept. 11 to honor first responders and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.
Beginning in downtown Bassett, the parade proceeded through Collinsville via Virginia Avenue, through Martinsville on Memorial Boulevard and through Ridgeway on Joseph Martin Highway, before ending at Magna Vista High School.
“The parade is to allow the citizens to show its support for their local first responders,” said Suzie Helbert, deputy director of Public Safety. It also was “a time to reflect and to remember the lives lost and many sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.”
First responders hoisted the American flag from two ladders from Bassett and Collinsville volunteer fire departments. The Henry County Honor Guard laid a wreath beneath the flag.
The parade featured vehicles and responders from the eight volunteer fire departments, five volunteer rescue Squads, the Department of Public Safety, Martinsville City Fire/EMS, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsville Police Department, Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Communications Center.
