On Friday, September 10, in honor of Patriot Day, the staff and students at Kirtland Elementary School honored all of the community's first responders in an outdoor parade. Officers in their vehicles drove through the school parking lot as students lined the driveways wearing red, white and blue and waving American flags to show appreciation for all they do. First responders from Kirtland Police Department, Kirtland Fire Department, Lakeland Police Department, Waite Hill Police Department and Kirtland Hills Police Department were part of the parade.
“September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in our country’s history,” said Superintendent Chad VanArnhem. “Not to be lost in the tragedy was the heroism and selfless acts of so many from the passengers on Flight 93 to the first responders in Washington D.C. and New York City. While remembering the events of 9/11, I would like to publicly thank all the emergency forces that serve the Kirtland Local Schools: Kirtland Police Department, Kirtland Fire Department, Kirtland Hills Police Department and the Waite Hill Police Department for their tireless dedication to keeping us safe. September 11th is a day we will not forget and also provides a day of reflection and thankfulness for those that risk their lives daily to protect ours.”