Evansville, IN – The Evansville Fire Department welcomed a special visitor to Station 1 on April 7, as a retired firefighter traveling across the country stopped in as part of a tribute honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks.
John Martin, a retired fire engineer from San Bernardino, California, visited the station during his cross-country bicycle journey, which was organized to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. After serving 28 years in the fire service, Martin spent the past six years planning the tribute.
His journey spans 2,980 miles, with each mile representing one life lost in the attacks, including a K9 that died. The trip began on September 11 of last year and is expected to conclude on September 11 of this year at Ground Zero in New York City.
Throughout the journey, Martin is carrying dog tags representing each victim. At every mile, he leaves a tag behind, placing them at fire stations or along roadways to ensure each life is remembered.
The department said it was grateful to play a small role in the tribute and wished Martin safe travels as he continues toward his final destination.
