Honoring Heroes and History

Each year, the Clear Lake Fire Department gathers with the community to remember the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The memorial outside the Clear Lake Fire Station features a powerful centerpiece: a piece of steel recovered from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the sacrifices made that day.

Now, the Clear Lake Fire Association is working to make the memorial even more meaningful with a new addition—a bronze statue of a firefighter gazing at the steel beam.

A Community Reflection

The steel memorial is more than just a piece of history. It serves as a place for reflection and a reminder of the sacrifices made 23 years ago. Firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and everyday citizens responded with unmatched courage in the face of terror, and this memorial honors their legacy. It also stands as a teaching tool, encouraging younger generations to ask questions and understand the significance of 9/11 in our nation’s history.

This year’s memorial event will feature the singing of God Bless America by Carolyn Haugland and Emily Gerdts, a flag-raising ceremony, the placement of helmets to honor fallen first responders, and a presentation of colors by the VFW on guard. The guest speaker will be Ron Billings, who will share his reflections on the impact of 9/11 and the importance of remembrance. After the program, an emergency vehicle procession will take place around the lake, with lights on but no sirens, adding a solemn close to the evening’s events.

A Steel Legacy

The steel memorial at the Clear Lake Fire Station is not just a tribute to the past—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember. For those who have seen and touched the piece of the World Trade Center, it’s a  moving experience. The department encourages everyone, especially younger attendees, to visit the memorial, touch the steel, and take a moment to reflect on the heroic acts and the tremendous loss that occurred on September 11, 2001.

The memorial, located at 711 2nd Ave. N., is open for everyone to visit, and the fire department invites all law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments from surrounding areas to participate in the emergency vehicle procession following the service. If your department would like to participate, please contact the Clear Lake Fire Department to coordinate.

New Addition Planned for the 9/11 Memorial

The Clear Lake Fire Association has launched a fundraising campaign for a bronze statue of a firefighter sitting on a bench and looking toward the memorial’s beam. The sculpture, being crafted by Brodin Studios, will take more than a year to complete, with hopes of unveiling it during the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2026.

The project’s cost is estimated at $65,000, and fundraising is already off to a strong start. An anonymous donor has pledged $10,000 and will match additional community donations up to another $20,000. Members of the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department have also contributed $5,000 toward the effort.

“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Fire Chief Doug Meyers. “We’re deeply grateful for this generous gift and the chance to create a lasting tribute. Now we need our community’s support to make it a reality. Every contribution, big or small, will bring us closer to our goal.”

How to Donate

Donations can be made payable to the Clear Lake Fire Association and mailed to:
PO Box 332, Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428

Contributions can also be submitted to the Clear Lake Firefighters Association via Venmo @clear-lake-fire

This 9/11, join the community of Clear Lake in remembering and honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that tragic day. The memorial, the steel, and the stories it represents will continue to stand as a powerful reminder: we must never forget.