MATC Honors Fallen First Responders in Special Ceremony
Photos Courtesy of MATC
On Friday, September 11, 2026, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) hosted “MATC Remembers – A Salute to First Responders” at the Oak Creek Campus to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The commemoration recognized the 72 police officers, 343 firefighters, and eight EMTs and paramedics who died.
A highlight of this year’s ceremony was the unveiling of a new 9/11 memorial plaque at the Oak Creek Campus. A tree has also been planted on campus in remembrance of those who lost their lives. The plaque will lay flat in front of the tree, creating a permanent memorial and a lasting reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated that day.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the Oak Creek Fire Department Honor Guard followed by the national anthem sung by Bryanna Hatch. Chaplain George Papachristou provided the invocation, and Robert Botsch, chief of the Village of Mount Pleasant Police Department, delivered the keynote address. Josiah Brown, a Milwaukee Fire Department cadet and current MATC paramedic student, delivered remarks on behalf of MATC students and shared why he is pursuing a career as a first responder.
The event closed with a reflection on how we can all be inspired by the courage and dedication of those being remembered.
Photos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATCPhotos Courtesy of MATC
