The Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) launched what it hopes will become a yearly tradition on Thursday, Sept. 11, with its First Annual 9/11 Walk/March.
Two firefighters, Clayton Eustler and Isaiah Hostler, suited up in full bunker gear and carried an American flag as they walked a five-mile route to honor the memory of the first responders who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
The pair set out at 6:30 a.m. from the TVFD fire station on SH 321. Their path took them down FM 162 to the Tarkington school campuses, in front of Tarkington High School, then back toward SH 321 by way of the Valero station before winding back to the fire station. The journey, made heavier by their gear, took about three hours to complete.
Along the way, community members waved, honked their horns, and even stopped to take photos of the firefighters’ tribute.
“It was in remembrance of the firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on this tragic day 24 years ago,” said Eustler. “Tarkington remembers.
Eustler says he is already looking forward to next year’s march and hopes to expand the event to include more firefighter participation.
