Video: First Responders Recall Time Before 9/11

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Tomorrow marks fourteen years since the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001
and a time for local first responders to look back on all that’s changed since then.

“When 9/11 happened, I was at a training session down…on a military base and we were watching it and during a break, look what’s happening…”, recalls Captain of Special Operations for Columbus Police Department Frederick Shelton, “…and we thought it was just something on TV and then that’s it, this is actually happening.”

Shelton has patrolled the streets of Columbus for over 30 years and also served his country in the military police.

Since 9/11, he says local police training has advanced from dealing with your average street criminal to international terrorism.

Shelton said the types of training consist of learning how to spot suspicious or possible terrorist activity as well as techniques used by those who look to do harm.

“Now we’re looking for these other people that are on wanted terror lists or they’re on watch lists, so not only do we have to watch out for the local criminals…”, explained Shelton, “…we have to watch out for international criminals that may have gotten into this country illegal and plotting or planning to do some harm to an American citizen.”

But its not only law enforcement that must deal with the increased responsibilities.

Its all first responders.

“We do not have an average call or ordinary call…”, explained Columbus Fire Chief Martin Andrews, “…every call is important, every call should be treated with the upmost respect that what could happen at that call could be life saving or could be life taking.”

Many towns including Columbus, Starkville and Tupelo will be honoring the first responders that gave their lives defending the public on September 11th, 2001.