Tri-City Sun

State Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres) hosted two guests at the Michigan state Capitol as part of an annual ceremony marking the anniversary of September 11 and honoring local first responders who died in the line of duty over the past year.

Each year, the Michigan House of Representatives organizes a remembrance event on September 11. Legislators invite local first responders to participate, with representatives reading aloud the names of those who lost their lives in service during the previous year. The ceremony serves as a tribute to both those killed in the 2001 attacks and to first responders from across Michigan who have made similar sacrifices.

Hoadley’s guests were Jason and Kathy Lott from Oscoda. On September 11, 2001, Jason was working at a 9-1-1 dispatch center near Washington, D.C., and also volunteered as an EMT for a firehouse close to Joint Base Andrews. Together, Jason and Kathy now run Thin Gold Line, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about mental health issues among emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 call takers.

“I’m glad Jason and Kathy were able to join us today to mark this occasion,” said Hoadley. “This ceremony is an important reminder for everyone to appreciate the lives of service our first responders lead and to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to protect us and our families. Jason and Kathy know better than almost anyone how much of a toll it can take and how much it takes to be on call when disaster strikes. None of us should ever forget what happened on that day in 2001 or what our local heroes and their families sacrifice and risk every day to keep us safe.”