South Walton Fire District
#SWFDNews | To honor the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) will host its 9th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run on Friday, September 11, 2026.
SWFD personnel will start the event near Pilcher Park at 8:30 a.m. At the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower, SWFD dispatchers will transmit a remembrance message, followed by a moment of silence and prayer.
Participants will then proceed south along U.S. Highway 331 for approximately 1.7 miles until the half-way point, where personnel will have the opportunity to rest and hydrate as needed. Then, they will head back northbound along the sidewalk to complete the symbolic 3.43-mile distance.
“This year marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “It’s hard to believe, but many of the young men and women entering the fire service today were not alive to witness the events of that fateful day. This Memorial Run is how we do our part to make sure we never forget the sacrifices made by others, while also showing those who are new to the job, as well as our community, what it means to publicly honor fallen heroes.”
The event is held each year as an internal initiative for SWFD personnel and their families. However, community members who wish to be involved are encouraged to line the route, wave American flags, honk car horns, and cheer on participants as they run.
This event is weather-dependent to ensure the safety of all involved.
Local media is also invited to attend the memorial run as well as conduct interviews on-site. For additional information and to RSVP, please contact the SWFD Public Information Officer at pio@swfd.org.
#SWFDNews | To honor the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) will host its 9th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run on Friday, September 11, 2026.
SWFD personnel will start the event near Pilcher Park at 8:30 a.m. At the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower, SWFD dispatchers will transmit a remembrance message, followed by a moment of silence and prayer.
Participants will then proceed south along U.S. Highway 331 for approximately 1.7 miles until the half-way point, where personnel will have the opportunity to rest and hydrate as needed. Then, they will head back northbound along the sidewalk to complete the symbolic 3.43-mile distance.
“This year marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “It’s hard to believe, but many of the young men and women entering the fire service today were not alive to witness the events of that fateful day. This Memorial Run is how we do our part to make sure we never forget the sacrifices made by others, while also showing those who are new to the job, as well as our community, what it means to publicly honor fallen heroes.”
The event is held each year as an internal initiative for SWFD personnel and their families. However, community members who wish to be involved are encouraged to line the route, wave American flags, honk car horns, and cheer on participants as they run.
This event is weather-dependent to ensure the safety of all involved.
Local media is also invited to attend the memorial run as well as conduct interviews on-site. For additional information and to RSVP, please contact the SWFD Public Information Officer at pio@swfd.org.