07/20/2011 - The annual Firehouse Expo was held at the Baltimore, MD Convention Center from July 19th - 23rd. This years show was held as a fire service tribute to the 9/11 responders who perished, and survived the tragic events of the September 11th tradgedy, nearly 10 years ago. Photos in this gallery include apparatus at the Expo center, as well as some Baltimore City Fire Department units and stations. Also included are photos from the Opening Ceremony. The opening ceremony was held on 07/21/2011 at 1015 hours. The processional entry was performed by the Fire Brigade Pipes & Drum of Greater Baltimore. The national anthem was performed by Frank Pizarro of FDNY Engine 76. The invocation was given by Father Furnari Sal of the Baltimore City Fire Department. A welcome message was delivered by Firehouse Editior in Chief, and Program Director, Harvey Eisner and by Fire Chief James Clack of the Baltimore City Fire Department. FDNY Fire Comissioner Salvatore Cassano presented a new NFFF Safety Video. The Firehouse Heroism Award was given to FDNY FF Peter Demontreux, from Ladder 132. A slide show presentation from 9/11 by photographer David Handschuh, from the NY Daily News. The key note speaker was FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas, who talked about his 9/11 experience and being trapped for several hours in a stairwell of one of the Twin Towers following the collapse. FF Tim Brown, retired FDNY showed a trailer for a new film called "Rebirth" which follows four 9/11 survivors. Austrailian author and poet Rupert McCall recited his poem "A Firefighters Dream". Marine Corporal Josh Bleill, who lost both legs after a roadside bomb struck his humvee in Iraq, spoke about how the events of 9/11 encouraged him to serve his country. Finally, a tribute to wounded military members was presented. I appologize some of the photos are poor quality, I used a point and shoot.
