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On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 individuals were killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. 

Among them were more than 400 first responders. 

This past week, as the anniversary of that unfortunate day approached, Winchester’s own first responders were recognized. 

At several locations, a cake and more were presented to thank staff members for their service to the community, 

“This is for our annual 9/11 event, which we do every year for the Fire Department [and] the police station. We [also] took a cake this morning to the emergency room,” said Amy Stevens, Manager at Cash Express. “We just think that it’s important to celebrate and honor them.” 

Located at 1309 W. Lexington Avenue, Cash Express is a financial services company providing short-term loans and check cashing services to individuals in need. 

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, during their stop at Winchester Police Department’s station at 16 S. Maple Street, they provided a cake layered with both chocolate and vanilla flavoring. 

It was also decorated with a rendering of World Trade Center Buildings 1 and 2—each tragically destroyed in 2001—and the message “Thank You For All You Do.” 

Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, City Manager Bruce Manley, Deputy City Clerk Dianna Layne, and others were present to help recognize members of the Winchester Police Department. 

Sgt. Monty Corbett, Captain Steve Charles, and even Abe, the department’s K-9 Goldendoodle, were present to accept the recognition. 

Yet that’s not all. 

Many local individuals and businesses signed a board containing the message “Thank You For All You Do.” 

Among them were Jimmy John’s, Sir Pizza, Starbucks, Community Trust Bank, Fazoli’s, Winchester Peddlers Mall, Bargain Hunt, Wendy’s, Staffmark, Waffle House, CookOut, Applebee’s, Winchester Warehouse Company, KFC, Holiday Inn Express, Bypass Gold & Pawn LLC, and more. 

Some even left personalized messages. 

“Thank you for all you do to keep us safe! Much love,” stated the message addressed from Pizza Hut. 

The Police Officer’s Prayer – which emphasizes traits such as courage, strength, dedication, concern, and compassion, was also included. 

For Stevens – who acknowledged astonishment that 23 years have already passed since Sept. 11, 2001 – she hopes that others will offer reflection. 

“I think it’s important to remember what happened and how the country came together,” she said. “With everything going on now, it’s important to remember how far we’ve come since [then].”