LANSING, Mich., Sept. 9, 2021 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives held its annual Sept. 11 ceremony to commemorate Michigan first responders lost in the line of duty during the past year, honor those lost in the 2001 attacks and recognize first responders serving in Michigan communities today. State Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) hosted Lt. Dustin Lockard from the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Service during the ceremony. As a Troy volunteer firefighter, Lockard and others in his department volunteered to respond to Ground Zero in New York City. Kuppa issued the following statement:
“I am proud Lt. Lockard, a dedicated firefighter from the district, joined me at the Capitol today to remember the first responders who lost their lives 20 years ago today. Watching the worst terror attack on U.S. soil unfold, Lt. Lockard and other first responders from around the country sprang into action and volunteered to go to Ground Zero to help at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. Lt. Lockard’s actions show us exactly what we can and should be as a community, city, state and nation. We will never forget that fateful day, 9/11/2001. We are stronger today because of the men and women like Lt. Lockard who defend our democracy. Today, I honor him and all other first responders who always have and continue to protect and serve.”