By William Moore
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Tupelo officials paused Thursday morning to remember not only the emergency responders who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, but also a city policeman who died in the line of duty in December.
“We have seen firsthand in Tupelo the sacrifice that officers are willing to make,” Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said, referring to Sgt. Gale Stauffer, who was shot and killed Dec. 23, 2013 while responding to a bank robbery on South Gloster Street.
Shelton also used the opportunity to salute the city’s police and fire departments for their response to the April 28 tornado that left a trail of destruction through north Tupelo.
About 100 people gathered at Tupelo Fire Station No. 1 for the memorial service. Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Avery rang the fire bell at 9:03 a.m., marking the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center 13 years ago.
“In the past, the bell sounded the beginning of the shift and for each fire call,” said Fire Chief Thomas Walker. “Over the years, a special signal – three rings repeated three times – was created to solemnly announce the passing of a fire fighter.”
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