By Andrew Potter Times-Republican
A steel beam from the ruins of the 9/11 tragedy is displayed outside of the Marshalltown Fire Department headquarters. Photo by Andrew Potter
A piece of the biggest tragedy ever on United States soil remains a source of pride for the Marshalltown Fire Department.
Two years ago, the department dedicated a steel beam that came from the ruins of the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy in New York City. That dedication was on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
Having the piece of the tower in Marshalltown is very important to the fire department. “It’s a big sense of pride for us because it’s a reminder for us, and those citizens that drive by, to never forget,” said Chief Steve Edwards.
The fire department went through an application process in 2009 through the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and was awarded the beam.
It’s unclear how many pieces were awarded to fire departments, though Edwards said several other fire departments in Iowa also have their own artifact from the tragedy.
The steel beam is embedded in concrete which allows it to stand 6 feet tall next to a flag-post and bell outside of the station.
“We get positive comments on it,” Edwards said. “We still get people driving by looking at it and wanting to know how we got it.”
It is located in front of the department headquarters at 107 S. First Ave.
