Today marks 24 years since 9/11/01. Do you remember how you felt on September 11th, and the days after? Did you thank a police officer or give blood? Did you have a tear in your eye when you passed a fire station? Did you talk to complete strangers or give grace and forgiveness to those you previously denied it? Did you rethink your priorities or just hug your family and say I love you more often? Did you proudly display the American flag?

Each of us was affected in different ways. First Responders all over the country went on high alert to protect the homeland. Today, we still stand ready and answer the call. September 11th, also known as Patriot Day is to remember and support our Police, Firefighters, EMS & 911 dispatchers.

September 11, 2001, 2,977 people died – of the fallen were 343 firefighters and 72 police officers. Their actions and sacrifice saved thousands of our families and friends.

We Will Never Forget! May God bless you, our great state of Georgia, and the United States of America.

Work continues for you at the GA Capitol as summer winds down. One major initiative is Next Generation 911, which ensures that our emergency services have the best technology to help in your time of need. As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, I appointed a subcommittee to work on this issue and to meet with and hear from experts this fall.