Bruce Dembecki arrived with Fire Support Unit 2 at approximately 10:30 A.M. and set up a coffee service area inside the vacated apparatus bay at Station 1, located at 255 N. Market St. Ron Green assisted Bruce with the set up and helped to make sure a fresh pot of coffee was always available to the 1,000-plus attendees. While John Whitaker was also on hand to help with the set up, his primary activity centered around supporting the San Jose Fire Museum - a co-sponsor of the event. John's volunteer efforts with the Museum lead to his production of the 12-page program for the day's activities.
A highlight of the ceremony was a display of 343 pairs of turnout boots arranged in front of the podium at Station 1. Each pair of boots, signifying public safety personnel who lost their lives 10 years earlier, was tied together with a black ribbon and the name of someone who gave their life. A small, American flag was also placed in each boot.
Hosted by former newscaster Rigo Chacon, the event's speakers included: William McDonald, Fire Chief, SJFD; Christopher Moore, Chief of Police, SJPD; Chuck Reed, Mayor, City of San Jose; Dave Cortese, President, Board of Supervisors, Santa Clara Co.; and Nora Campos, Assemblymember, San Jose. The keynote address was presented by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.
