Burnsville Fire Muster on 9/11 will be a special day

Burnsville is especially fired up this year over its annual Fire Muster celebration.

For decades Burnsville has enjoyed a special relationship with its firefighters, as evidenced by the popularity of the Fire Muster, an event that has grown to become the biggest celebration in the city.

This year's Fire Muster is taking on added significance because it is concluding on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The 2001 attacks killed thousands of people, but many others were saved thanks to the heroism exhibited by emergency personnel at the World Trade Center -- especially firefighters who raced into and up the burning towers.

Given the role that firefighters played in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Muster organizers said they want to do something extra special for this year's event.

"Obviously there is quite a connection" with firefighters, said Tom Hansen, Burnsville deputy city manager. "A lot of communities feel very close to their fire departments. The people who fight fires and jump in the trucks traditionally come from the neighborhoods."

In Burnsville, the city observes that connection more so than most cities. Burnsville has been paying homage to firefighters for more than 30 years during its Fire Musters.

Organizers have added a special 9/11 commemoration to this year's events, to honor emergency workers as well as educate people, especially children, who might not have been old enough at the time to grasp the significance of the events.

"Our theme is always to honor firefighters for all that they do," said Tom Taylor, Fire Muster co-chair. "We see this [anniversary] as an opportunity. We are encouraging all of the participants to come up with some sort of commemoration."

The Fire Muster, which wraps up today, has included its traditional fire truck demonstrations and parade.

Today's community parade, which begins at 1 p.m., proceeding up 130th Street from Parkwood Drive to the Civic Center, will feature a series of banners dedicated to 9/11.

There will be a memorial service at the conclusion of the parade at Civic Center Park, at Nicollet Avenue and 130th Street. Bands also will be performing at the park from noon to 4 p.m.