SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) hosted its 8th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run on Thursday, September 11, to honor and remember the 343 firefighters who were killed 24 years ago.

What started as a small District tradition along County Highway 30A has since transformed into a large group of responders and military members from across the Florida Panhandle gathering in remembrance.

“To have the community-wide support this morning is what makes this event so special,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “We want our residents and visitors to know we’ll never forget what happened on September 11th, and it’s important as well that we welcome the new members of our agency into this tradition so they can continue to uphold it one day.”

This year’s run/walk event included firefighters, dispatchers, lifeguards, fire inspectors, administrative staff members, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and family members related to first responders.

The event started at Pilcher Park beneath the Clyde B. Wells Bridge at 8:46 a.m., with a message from SWFD Dispatchers over the radio, commemorating the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower. The Fire District’s Chaplain, Pastor Pete Hyde, then led a moment of silence and prayer, before the group began their journey south along U.S. Highway 331 for approximately 1.7 miles.

Personnel donned full bunker gear, rucks, weight vests, and American flags for the trek, receiving a multitude of honks and waves from community members driving through the area. At the halfway point, personnel were able to hydrate and rest before turning around and completing the 3.43-mile journey.

“Many of us say that we won’t forget this day, but this run is how we show our community that we truly mean it,” said SWFD Lieutenant/Paramedic Joshua Ellis. “We think of the firefighters who were lost that day and hope to live up to the legacy that they set for all of us.”

SWFD thanks all partner agencies and personnel who attended the 8th Annual event, as well as the members of the community who showed their support.

South Walton Fire District Hosts 8th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run @swfd