Remembering 9/11: Kensington Fire Chief James Stanton

James Stanton was at the station on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

The staff of Station 5 crowded around a TV as the second plane hit the World Trade Center, and then they saw the wreckage of the attack on the Pentagon just 12 miles away.

When the call came through that Arlington County needed assistance battling blazes and recovering victims at the Pentagon, KVFD mounted up.

The problem wasn't finding volunteers to go, Stanton said—it was deciding who had to stay behind.

"That's what we're about," he said.

Now, 10 years later, Stanton said firefighters nationwide have a new awareness of the changing world.

"It's important for people to remember those who died, those who helped and to always be aware of their surroundings and what's going on," he said.

This photo was created as part of a larger project in coordination with Action America to document how the country has been affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

See how you can become an Actionist and turn the events of 9/11 into positive action at www.ActionAmerica.com and look for more local coverage of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on Patch.

How has 9/11 affected you in the last 10 years? Please share your post-9/11 remembrances with us in the comments section below.