Today: Bainbridge Island Community to Honor the 415 First Responders Lost on September 11; Tomorrow: Bainbridge Prepares Birthday Bash

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD), in partnership with the American Legion Colin Hyde Post 172 and the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD), will host a community remembrance ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a special focus on the firefighters and law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Bainbridge Island Fire Department Station 21, 8895 Madison Ave NE. The event is free and open to the public.

On September 11, 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers lost their lives while responding to the attacks in New York City. They ran toward danger, answering the call to protect and save others. Their sacrifice continues to resonate throughout the fire service and law enforcement communities 25 years later.

The ceremony will provide an opportunity for the Bainbridge Island community to come together to remember those who gave their lives, honor their families and colleagues, and recognize the courage and dedication of the first responders who answered the call on September 11 and in the difficult days that followed.

The program will feature performances by the Bainbridge Chorale, along with remarks from representatives of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and Bainbridge Island Police
Department. Earl Johnson, a 9/11 survivor and former Bainbridge Island Fire Department Commissioner, will also share his personal experience and reflections.

“Twenty-five years later, we continue to carry the memory of the 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers who never came home,” said Fire Chief Jared Moravec. “Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to serving others represent the very best of the fire service and law enforcement. This event is an opportunity for our community to remember them and to ensure their stories and sacrifice are never forgotten.”

Members of the public are invited to join local firefighters, law enforcement officers, veterans, and community members for this solemn remembrance.

Event Details:

What: 25th Anniversary September 11 Remembrance Ceremony

When: Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Where: Bainbridge Island Fire Department Station 21, 8895 Madison Ave NE, Bainbridge Island, WA
Cost: Free and open to the public
Parking: Parking available across the street at the First Baptist Church

Bainbridge Prepares to Celebrate 15 Years of Service with a Birthday Bash on Saturday 

Since its launch in 2011, the emergency preparedness nonprofit Bainbridge Prepares has grown from five volunteers to more than 575, making it the largest volunteer-based organization in Kitsap County. Marking the anniversary, the organization is hosting or co-hosting a slew of major events in the next few months and in 2027. (The Island Wanderer will detail those events in a future story).

Islander Scott James launched Bainbridge Prepares (BP) in 2011 as a small venture called Prepared Neighborhoods, under the umbrella of Sustainable Bainbridge. His goal was to increase the readiness of islanders in the face of potential threats like earthquakes and wildfire.

Now the organization is ready to reflect on what it’s accomplish and celebrate its years of service. Join BP September 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fieldstone of Bainbridge, 10861 Manitou Park Blvd. Park at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church for shuttle service. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to participate in fun, supervised activities (separate from adults). Get your $35 ticket now and remember that your “support will help us keep going for another 15 years of serving you and Bainbridge Island.” Bainbridge Prepares Birthday Bash Fundraiser Tickets, Saturday, September 12  •  4 PM – 7 PM | Eventbrite

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