Five years after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, we all remember where we were and the feelings we had in our hearts.
Amid the shock that day, some in the Miami Valley were ordered to New York City to help with the disaster at the site of the World Trade Center.
The attacks and fallout in New York City called for people with special training to help search for survivors and victims. One group called into action was Ohio Task Force One.
A group of 72 people and four dogs who are specially trained for urban search and rescue were ordered to help with the recovery and clean up efforts. One man that was there said nothing could prepare you for what ground zero looked like.
Lt. Terry Trepanier said, Really the devastation was hard to comprehend. None of us ever saw anything that big.
Trepanier is a Washington Township firefighter and a member of Ohio Task Force One.
He said when his pager went off on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he and his dog, Woody, immediately flew to New York City.
Trepanier said, I remember looking out, seeing so many clouds on the ocean, and then realized it was actually smoke from the trade center.
Trepanier and other members of Ohio Task Force One spent about 10 days at ground zero. He doesnt dwell on what happened or what they did, but it is always in his mind.
He said he saw the worst of devastation, but the best of people, both in New York City and at home. He believes Sept. 11, changed our country forever and Americans lives forever.
Trepanier still trains with Ohio Task Force One, and is ready to respond to any event the state or country needs him for. He is planning to share some of his memories and his thoughts during a pare of discussions scheduled for Monday.
The discussions will take place at the Washington Township Recreation Center.
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