John,

I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of distress on September 11, 2001. Twenty years ago, I, like so many of you, watched in real-time the horror as the attacks unfolded on the news — thousands of lives taken. Resulting in a countless number of families that were devastated by the cowardly acts of a few.

On that fateful day, I was active-duty law enforcement and uncertain of what would happen next. Like many of my fellow officers, I was left with a feeling of foreboding. I can still recall the discussion between senior officers on whether we should head north or stay back to protect our citizens and assets here — it was chaotic, to say the least.

I stayed in New Jersey that day, but I want to take this moment to honor the sheer bravery and heroism of my fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement who did respond.

The terrorists who hijacked the planes that day wanted to destroy everything we stood for – freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They failed because we stood firm, and we stood together.

Our wounds may have never fully healed, but Americans overcame that horrible day. Our brave firefighters, my fellow police officers, and other first responders ran into hell that day without a thought for their safety.

I hope you pause today to remember those we lost in the horrific attacks on our country.

As always, thanks for your support.

Tim Alexander