State Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres) today welcomed two guests to the state Capitol to help commemorate the anniversary of September 11th and honor local first responders who passed in the line of duty in Michigan this year.

The Michigan House of Representatives holds a ceremony every year on September 11 where legislators invite local first responders to keep the memory alive of those who were lost in 2001. Representatives also read the names of local first responders who gave their lives in the line of duty over the past year, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by first responders who rushed into danger on September 11 in New York and Washington, D.C.

Hoadley’s guests this year were Jason and Kathy Lott of Oscoda. Jason was on duty at a 9-1-1 dispatch center outside Washington, D.C. on the morning of 9/11 and was also a volunteer EMT for a firehouse near Joint Base Andrews. Jason and Kathy now operate Thin Gold Line, a non-profit that works to raise awareness of mental health in the 9-1-1 call taker and emergency dispatcher community.

“I’m glad Jason and Kathy were able to join us today to mark this occasion,” said Hoadley. “This ceremony is an important reminder for everyone to appreciate the lives of service our first responders lead and to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to protect us and our families. Jason and Kathy know better than almost anyone how much of a toll it can take and how much it takes to be on call when disaster strikes. None of us should ever forget what happened on that day in 2001 or what our local heroes and their families sacrifice and risk every day to keep us safe.”