NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 September 1, 2026

SONOMA VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT UNVEILS COMPLETED 9/11 MEMORIAL, DEDICATION CEREMONY PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Memorial featuring steel from the World Trade Center now open for public viewing at Station 1

SONOMA, Calif. The Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD) announced today that installation of its 9/11 Memorial at Station 1, 630 Second Street West, is complete and the memorial is now open for public viewing. The district plans to hold an official dedication ceremony on September 11, 2026, at 11 am.

The memorial is built around a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center, obtained through a generous donation from Sims Metal of Richmond, CA to the SVFD. This was made possible by Thibaut Ducy and Jill Rodby of Sims.  The installation also includes a commemorative brass bell, symbolic LED uplighting designed to evoke the “Tribute in Light” display in New York City, and a plaque with interpretive text. The memorial sits in a landscaped area in front of the station, creating a reflective space near the station's existing memorial wall.

“This memorial gives our community a permanent place to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, and to honor the sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day, as well as all of those who lost their lives” said SVFD Fire Chief Steve Akre. “We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life, and we look forward to gathering with the community this September to formally dedicate it.”

The project was approved unanimously by the Sonoma City Council on July 16, 2025, and was fully funded by the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighter's Association. SVFD is responsible for permitting and ongoing maintenance under the terms of the council's approval.

SVFD extends special thanks to Neil Colwell of Well Design Signage for donating his design services, and to Ryan Wellander for donating his labor welding the memorial's structure. Their generosity was instrumental in bringing this project to life.

The memorial is located on the grounds of Station 1 and is accessible to the public. SVFD will release additional details on the September 11 dedication ceremony, including the scheduled time and program, as they are finalized.

For more information, contact Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Trevor Smith at 707-996-2102.

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