Is it Time to Move on?

Brett Hill- Founder

At the end of 2011 I take a moment to reflect over the past year and the previous 10 that I have submerged my life into the 9/11 Patch Project. There are no mixed emotions...the drive to get one of the four 9/11 Patches on all public safety and and U.S. military uniforms or other clothing, is a journey I began in December of 2001 and a journey that will only end when I do. Is it an obsession over 9/11? No, it is about keeping a promise to Never Forget.

It is time to move on from the tragic, graphic and horrible images of 9/11 but it is not time to forget. When I heard the words, "Please Don't Forget Us," spoken from an FDNY Firefighter to an LAFD Firefighter at Ground Zero, it did not mean to me that I would run the 9/11 Patch Project for 10 years and move on. To Never Forget, means to always remember...simple translation and an obvious one at that. But, it does not seem so obvious to many in this resilient nation who have literally decided to completely move on.

Rio Hondo Fire Academy- Santa Fe Springs, CA

Every new fire recruit at the Rio Hondo Fire Academy in Santa Fe Springs, California, receives two patches to be sewn on their academy uniforms--the Rio Hondo Patch and the 9/11 Patch. Even 10 years after the tragic event that took the lives of 343 firefighters, those that have decided to start their career at Rio Hondo, will do so fully understanding the sacrifice of so many that came before them. They will also understand fully, what they may face as a future firefighter. This is a message that Academy Chief Tracy Rickman sends to every fire recruit that comes through Rio Hondo Fire Academy. As one of the guest speakers at Rio Hondo's 2011 summer graduation, it was truly inspirational to look out at the graduating class and see them all proudly wearing their 9/11 Patches.

As many across the nation completely move on from 9/11, the 9/11 Patch Project ramps up by recently hiring 24 representatives to continue the 9/11 Patch drive on a closer and more personal level. Working from Southern California the past 10 years has been challenging. Sending out newsletters, posting on Facebook (and many other social networks), sending emails, posting press releases and making phone calls has just not been enough. The project has even sent out two mailers to every fire department in the nation the past 10 years and it has just not been enough. Having local representatives utilizing their professional connections and actually visiting organizations, is something that has become very necessary.

Although the 9/11 Patch Project appreciates the purchase of one or two patches & decals from supporters on Facebook's NeverForget911 page, the project is really about getting these patches on the shoulders of all public safety and U.S. military uniforms. It is about taking one of the most tragic events in American History and turning it into a positive moving forward. The world responded in a way we have never seen after the events of 9/11. People came together--borders were erased--politics were ignored--and cultural differences didn't matter. This simple idea of a 9/11 Patch on every uniform helps us all remember the heroes of 9/11 and remember how the world came together after the lives lost on 9/11 became the world's loss.

So pick up a patch or decal if you are wondering why you see them on the shoulders of firefighters, police officers and soldiers around the world. If you are an organization that honors and continues to remember the loss of your fellow heroes of 9/11, then pick up a 100 or so and get them on your uniforms. It's been 10 years but it's never too late to Never Forget.

*If you are a civilian or an organization that is not interested in participating in the 9/11 Patch Project, but still want to show your support,  then why not show your support by adding your name or organization to the 9/11 WALL.

9/11 Patch Project Hiring Representatives

If you are a Firefighter, EMT, Police or other Public Safety professional, the 9/11 Patch Project could use your help. Back in Late November, we announced the new Rep program and had an overwhelming response. From those previous postings, we have already hired 24 Rep's, including Rep's in Canada, Belgium and Australia.

Today, we are still looking for Rep's in the Southern California area, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Texas (2), Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Georgia, North Dakota and South Dakota. We are also looking for Rep's in countries like New Zealand, the UK, Germany, France, Ireland and Scotland. Additionally, Rep's are need in Australia's NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria territories. This is a performance based position where you would earn 15% of sales you generate. This is also an Independent Contractor position with no benefits or salary. This position is suitable as a part time job to start which may evolve into full salaried positions for the right individuals.

Moving forward the next 10 years, the goals of the 9/11 Patch Project now involve a more hands on approach in contacting organizations to participate. Having Rep's in each area that have contacts and previous sales experience, will help the project garner support and participation as well as raise funds.

Email Brett Hill, if you are interested. Thank You!

A Belgian Firefighter and a 9/11 Patch

I had just finished filling another 35 orders--it was about 9pm and I had a 48 hour shift to work in the morning. Just before leaving the office, I logged on and checked my email--up popped this picture of a Belgian Firefighter (Bob) wearing the 9/11 Patch on the front of his Class A uniform. I was awed by the image of a non-U.S. firefighter wearing the 9/11 Patch with the backdrop of our U.S. Flag, right on the front of his uniform! And, this project had crossed the borders of the U.S. and made it thousands of miles across the Atlantic. More important to me was the fact our loss of 343 brother firefighters became Bob's loss too.

This was back in March of 2002 when I was filling over 25 orders everyday for nearly 5 months. I would work my 48 shift at the Fire Department and spend my four days off filling orders--sometimes until 11pm. I looked forward to my email everyday because pictures like this were sent to me all the time.

Bob was the first picture sent to me of a non-U.S. firefighter wearing the 9/11 Patch. It is the most important picture as it was the first to demonstrate the world's response to the attacks on America, September 11, 2001. Bob was the only firefighter from Belgium to actually send his photo to me but many more Belgians would order the 9/11 Patches and Decals over the years.

Ironically, after looking for representatives to give the 9/11 Patch Project a more local presence in U.S. States and other countries, the first out-of-country representative to step up was a Belgian Police Officer named Christophe Knop. In Christophe's short time representing the 9/11 Patch Project in Belgium, he is already the front runner of our 23 representatives, bringing in 9 orders in December.

Shortly after Bob's photo was sent to me, I received photos from the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malta, Gemany and other countries with firefighters wearing one of the 9/11 Patches or displaying one of the 9/11 Decals. To date, there are over 25 countries with Firefighters, EMT's, Police Officers and U.S. deployed soldiers--all wearing one of the 9/11 Patches.

You see, it's not just about a patch anymore--it is about a fraternity of public safety and military personnel around the world that share common threads and all wear their hearts on their sleeves. Out of the tragedy of 9/11 came a unique act of solidarity that would go on to be unparallelled over the past 10 years. Are you wearing your 9/11 Patch or displaying your 9/11 decal?

Our 10 Year Anniversary~

Thanks to all of you who have supported the 9/11 Patch Project these past 10 years. With our 10 anniversary on December 15th, it is a great time for a thank-you message from the project founder, Brett Hill.


Many of our supporters come from the NeverForget911 page and a special thanks goes out to Rich Karns, the founder, for facilitating the partnership with the 9/11 Patch Project that began 18 months ago.


Today, the 9/11 Patch Project has 22 representatives out there in 20 different U.S. States and two Countries (Belgium & Canada). For the next 10 years, the goals are to make sure more Public Safety and U.S. Military organizations are aware of the project and have the opportunity to participate alongside over 8000 organizations in 25 countries.


To insure we continue helping the world remember the heroes of 9/11 and raising funds, we would ask that you consider one of the following levels of support:


1. It's the holidays! Why not purchase our gift bag or one of the other many 9/11 Tribute items as memorable gifts?


2. Is your name or your organizations' name on the 9/11 WALL of supporters? You can get on the wall for as little as $9.11



3. What's in your wallet? We have recently teamed up with Capital One to bring you three 9/11 Patch Project cards to choose from. Every time you make a purchase, you give a small percentage back to the 9/11 Patch Project, the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.


Happy Holidays and thanks in advance for your years of support along with your future support to insure we stay open another 10 years!

9/11 WALL of Supporters

Since January of 2011, the 9/11 Patch Project has been adding the names of supporters to its 9/11 WALL. To date, there are many names of individuals, companies, fire departments, and other organizations that have stepped up to support the efforts of one of the longest running and farthest reaching 9/11 Projects in the world. Here is how you can contribute:

1. $9.11 X 1 = name, company or organization name
2. $9.11 X 2 = same but with name Bolded
3. $9.11 X 10= company or organization banner with website link on Sponsor Page.

The 9/11 Patch Project is a registered non-profit and these smaller donations insure that the project can continue the work it has been successfully doing around the world for 10 years.

Traffic to the 9/11 Patch Project website averages about 15,000 visits per month. According to Alexa, the website ranking organization, the website is ranked at 1.7 million, globally.

More about the 9/11 Patch Project and the fund raising patches and decals HERE

Bringing Hero Home

20/20 had a great segment this past Friday called, "Bringing Hero Home," a very touching story about a soldier killed in the line of duty and how they were able to bring a dog he cared for over in Iraq, back home. His father can be seen here wearing the blue t-shirt with one of the 9/11 Patch Project designs on it.

Seeing this story Friday night along with the 9/11 Patch Project design on the fathers t-shirt, reminded me how our U.S. Soldiers began participating in the 9/11 Patch Project back in 2002.

Many of our deployed troops have been wearing one of the 9/11 Patches since March of 2002 when a Navy Pilot and Navy SEAL introduced them while deployed in Afghanistan. The soldiers wanted to wear them alongside U.S. Fire and Police personnel as a sign of unity. LTJG Everett Alcorn can be seen wearing one of the 9/11 Patches in this photo, flying a mission somewhere over the waters of Afghanistan. Alcorn was assigned to the Helicopter Combat Support Group- HC6. He bought 200 patches and handed them out to his fellow pilots stationed on his Air Craft Carrier.

Shortly after Alcorn brought the 9/11 Patches to his fellow soldiers, a Navy SEAL from Team 1 Hotel Company, added the 9/11 Patch to his military issues. A San Gabriel Firefighter, who participated in the project back in 2002, was good friends with the SEAL and sent him the patches.

Over the years, the 9/11 Patches have become very popular gifts for soldiers deployed overseas. Like the dog in the story, soldiers are always looking for things to increase their morale. To order the patch that can be seen in the photo at the top, click HERE to get a huge discount. To order a t-shirt with the patch design on it, click HERE.

9/11 Patch Project Looking for Sales People

The 9/11 Patch Project is currently looking for 49 representatives to represent the 9/11 Patch Project in 49 States (Texas already claimed). These are  commission or performance based positions as Independent Contractors. You would receive 15% of every sale you make in your State.

This is a great way to bring in extra income and suitable for someone who has dealt with public safety organizations either as a Firefighter, Police Officer or EMT; or has represented public safety companies that have sold to these agencies.

The first 10 years of the 9/11 Patch Project (established December of 2001) Brett Hill, the founder, has marketed and sold to many organizations across the U.S., alone. Today, having multiple representatives or one in every State, is the best way to go in order to continue the plan of garnering the support and participation of every public safety organization in the U.S. Since sales also include more than 25 other countries, the 9/11 Patch Project will also consider Independent Contractors for different countries out there.

Sales will include: the 9/11 Patches, Decals, Pins and the Hero Bear program.

Remember, the primary focus of the project is to get one of the 9/11 Tribute Patches on all uniforms (or other clothing), the 9/11 Decals on apparatus & vehicles and to continue raising funds for the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.

So if you have the connections, the right attitude and want to represent the 9/11 Patch Project for your State, please email found Brett Hill to set up a phone interview.

9/11 Patch Project Gifts

The 9/11 Patch Project hopes that you decide to give the 9/11 Tribute Patches & Decals as gifts this holiday season. Recently, a gal ordered one of our 9/11 Patch & Decal Gift Packs for a fire station that responded on her motorcycle accident. She even asked that we include a note from her and we did. These special $25 gift packs have 10 items in them and actually come in a gift bag ready to send. You can get them HERE.

The 9/11 Patch Project relies on the sales of the patches and decals along with donations, to keep the project funded and to raise donations for the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation. We have been helping folks remember the heroes of 9/11 for nearly 10 years now and hope that you give us the opportunity to keep the project going another 10 years.

Thanks in advance for thinking of us when choosing memorable gifts for the holidays!

There's no pleasing Ms. Brody

WHERE IS MY ORDER??????????? This was the exact title of an email sent to me yesterday along with the exact amount of question marks. Upon opening it, the body of the email went on to say she had ordered 3 patches on September 26th, the money was out of her account, she sent three emails and she was tired of getting my stupid newsletters. She ended with "and I still have not got them - WHY NOT???????????" 

Funny thing is I had deleted her first email after responding but then received this near duplicate even after I had asked for additional information and why her address in Ireland did not have a house number or street. This is almost the exact email she had originally sent me--there were no responses to the questions I had asked in two previous emails. Is this how most people inquire about their order? I would stick my neck out and say...no way! Having no record of any prior emails sent from my Gmail account, I told her that and expressed my concern about her address seeming incomplete.

Getting no where with her, things escalated where my response to Marion included phrases like, "Stop being rude and act like an adult" and "Calm down...I am trying to work with you." She analyzed the phrases and responded back to me, "I must say its no wonder nobody is buying from your site, you have no customer service skills and you seem to be running a one man shop answering your e-mails through your Blackberry!! Have a read back over your reply again - my god you are the rudest, most arrogant, patronising man I have ever come across. How dare you tell me to 'act like an adult' - is that what you are doing by speaking to a customer like that? You are a joke!!!"

Emails are a very imperfect means of communication and I have to admit, this is not the first time someone has misinterpreted my email. Three is no misinterpreting Marion's email--it was pretty clear. Phone calls are always the best methods for communicating between a buyer and a seller--but a phone call to Ireland was not in the budget for this $10.38 purchase for 3 decals (not patches).


So, after checking the paypal database for her order, I found it was actually made under someone other than herself. But it was filled and sent to Ireland within 24 hours. Why it didn't get there, no one really knows. Had I actually heard from her sooner, I would have bent over backwards to please her because that's how I feel about all customers. Occasionally an order does not find its mark and I will re send. In this case, I got frustrated and refunded her friends account because she never answered my requests. Before this email came today, I even sent another order to the same address (she insisted it was where she received mail the past 3 years) just to see if there was any way to make this lady happy.

So the last part of her latest email read, "I work in a company and had an order for 78 of your decals from my staff, but because of the way you treated me I won't be placing that order now - so its your loss for being so arrogant. I will be highlighting your web page to all my contacts and telling them not to order from you. Now you 'calm down' and try and be nice to people in the future."

Lessons learned: The customer is not always right. I do have to take responsibility for the statements I made out of frustration but I am human and like customers, my buttons can be pushed as well. I am a one man show but take pride in making the happiness of my customers the most important part of what I do. The reputation of the 9/11 Patch Project the past 10 years is impeccable--there should be hundreds of you out there willing to come forward to speak to that.

In the end, I have lost a customer but I am convinced that there is nothing more I can do. Emails are not the best means of communication and this case history is a testament to that. If Ms Brody wants to make her ambition bad mouthing the 9/11 Patch Project, there is nothing I can do. After serving over 15,000 customers these past 10 years, losing one is something I can get over. There is nothing that I said that called for the demeaning response I got from her. I have run this project the past 10 years to help folks remember the heroes of 9/11 and raise funds. This is what I do and the support I get from 99.9% of folks out there is what fuels me.

Brett Hill- Founder
9/11 Patch Project

Honoring American Heroes This Veterans Day

This 3.5" X 4.5" car decal was created by the 9/11 Patch Project nearly two years ago. As the founder of the project, I have also been a firefighter in Southern California for over 20 years and created the decal to combine support for our nations soldiers, firefighters and police officers.

I have seen many cars out there with a police support decal, a military support ribbon and the iconic fire helmet decals. Giving folks the opportunity to show support for all three American Heroes feels like the right thing to do. So the larger than average decal was created and done with one of the most fade resistant 3M decal products to insure it won't fade or peel up in the corners. In fact, after having the decal on a car window for a few years, you should be able to actually peel up a corner and remove it without razor blades or other scrapping tools.

So it is the perfect support decal for many reasons. The cost is only $3.50 (most decals this size retail for $5 or $6) and the net proceeds will benefit the 9/11 Patch Project Fund which donates to the NY Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.

So consider a decal or two for your cars this Veterans Day and show your support for our Nations Veterans and Heroes. You can get the decals here: Home-of-the-Brave decal

What is the 9/11 Patch Project?

From a banner displayed at the end of the "Thank You America Tour," to the sleeves of thousands of firefighters across the nation. The 9-11 Patch Project was established December of 2001, to remember the heroes of 9/11 and raise funds for the families of the heroes lost on 9/11.

The idea was to unite firefighters around the world and honor the memory of our fallen brothers by adding the 9/11 Tribute Patches to all uniforms. Fliers were sent out to all fire departments across the nation in February of 2002 and in the following months, hundreds of departments across the nation began ordering the patches and putting them on their uniforms, job-shirts, jackets or turnouts. By the 1st year anniversary of 9/11 (09-11-02) $15,000 was raised selling $3 patches, and donated to the FDNY's Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

Then pictures were sent in of firefighters from other countries that purchased the patches and put them on their uniforms. Pictures were also sent in of U.S. Military personnel deployed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, also wearing the 9/11 Patches. The project had crossed our borders and circumvented the globe--everyone wanted to participate.

With U.S. Soldiers and even Police Officers participating, the project introduced a 2nd 9/11 Tribute Patch at the 5 year anniversary of 9/11, called the "Three Heroes Patch." Even though the project was initiated by a firefighter who was responding to the loss of 343 of his fellow firefighters, the project grew to include and remember all Public Safety and U.S. Military personnel.

With the goal of the project to get the 9/11 Tribute Patches on all uniforms, the 9-11 Patch Project teamed up with the 9-11 Rose Float and FireCareers.com to take the project on a cross country fundraising, fellowship and recruitment tour. The 9-11 Rose Float, featured in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on 01/01/11, passed the NEVER FORGET torch to the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour on 01/27/11 at Manhattan Beach Fire Department. The tour embarked on what would be a 16000 mile journey across the U.S. over 9 months, through 35 States, making 175 hosted stops. The funds raised on the tour were donated on 9/19/11.

Getting the 9/11 Tribute Patches on every public safety and U.S. Military uniform or other official/un offical clothing remains one of the goals of the project. All net proceeds will continue to be donated. Over the past 10 years, 2 mailers about the project have been sent to every FD in the nation. Some were ignored, others disregarded as junk mail and many, acted upon. Please introduce this project to your organization and join over 8000 organizations around the world in making these 9/11 Tribute Patches a permanent part of your uniform. Order the patches HERE

Keeping the 9/11 Patch Project Open

The 9/11 Patch Project was established December of 2001 to help keep the memory of our fallen 9/11 Heroes alive. The objectives of the project are to raise funds though the sale of the special 9/11 Patches, Decals and Pins as well as recruit Fire, EMS, Police and U.S. Military to place the patches on their uniforms or other clothing and/or apply the decals to their vehicles or apparatus.

To date, over 8000 organizations in 25 countries are represented by either wearing one of the patches or displaying one of the decals.

All the net proceeds from the sale of patches and decals have been donated to as many as 10 different non profit organizations. The latest three non profit's to benefit from the project are the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation. Each of them recently received $6300 each.

Since the 10 year mark has passed us by, sales from the project have slowed to a crawl. Unless sales and interest in the project picks up, the project will be forced to close down on its' 10 year anniversary, December 15th, 2011. I am asking for everyone's help to keep this project going another 10 years. If you want to see the project remain open and the work of the 9/11 Patch Project continue, please contribute in any of the following ways:

1. 9/11 WALL: For only $9.11, you or your organization can be added to the 9/11 WALL of supporters and show your support publicly.

2. Make a larger donation from our DONATIONS page and also be added to the 9/11 WALL.

3. Order Patches & Decals from our ORDER page

4. Share the link to our homepage to as many of your friends and family as possible: http://9-11patchproject.org

I want to thank all of you who have continued to support the project all these years and hope that you can continue to support the project by making a donation, ordering from our store or passing on the link to our website. Thanks in advance for what you are willing to do to help keep the project open past December 15th, 2011

FireRescue1 Deals

The 9/11 Patch Project recently teamed up with FireRescue1 to bring their new "Deals" program to Fire Organizations out there that could use a 25-75% discount on firefighting equipment and services.

The economy isn't getting any friendlier for both Career and Volunteer Fire Departments out there--both of which could use a break when ordering fire equipment or using critical services. The 9/11 Patch Project highly recommends DEALS for all fire related organizations out there. None of us can afford to be without these significant discounts. In FireRescue1's own words...

FireRescue1 Deals has teamed up with top businesses serving the fire service to give you 25-75% off on firefighting equipment, services and events that will help you serve your communities even more effectively.

The 9/11 Patch Project Lives On!

FDNY Fire & Ice Hockey Team Wearing 9/11 Patch

The 10 Year mark of 9/11 has passed but the goal of helping the world remember the heroes of 9/11 lives on.

It was the words of an FDNY Firefighter, "Please Don't Forget Us," that began the project back in December of 2011 and nearly 10 years later, those words still resonate in the ears of project founder Brett Hill.

Why continue to wear the 9/11 Patches or display the 9/11 Decals, even after 10 years? Because NEVER FORGET means NEVER! The words are inscribed on each patch and meant to mean what they say. It's pointless to run this project for 10 years and then move on. We can move on from the horrible images of the day but let's not move on from the memory of what our heroes did that day.

U.S. NAVY SEAL

Some have diminished the value of a simple patch or decal but the truth is, these patches have found their way completely around the world. They are seen on the shoulders of firefighters in 21 different countries and on the shoulders of thousands, from all  U.S. Military branches. These patches have brought about something positive as a result of something so tragic. They have crossed our borders, ignored politics and disregarded cultural differences. They unite people, help them honor the memory of our lost heroes and honor their professions.

Being able to donate the net proceeds from the sale of these patches and decals is another very important part of this project. The FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Fund and the Feal Good Foundation are all important to the 9/11 Patch Project and will continue to receive funds. To see the latest donations and letters, follow this LINK


One of the main goals of the project is to continue getting the patches on uniforms across the U.S. as a permanent part of the uniform. We all have different patches that identify our unique organizations, the 9/11 Patches are the common threads that unite us all.

Lest we NEVER FORGET!

Honoring the 10 Yr Mark of 9/11 | What You Can Do

The 9/11 WALL was put up on the 9/11 Patch Project website over 2 months ago. This was done for those who asked how they could publicly support our fund raising efforts with the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour and to be counted among the nation's supporters.

The 9/11 Bus could not visit every City on it's 9 month 30-State journey, so this also gives those who were not able to visit with the bus, the opportunity to make a smaller donation, and be seen [counted] as a supporter on the website. We have also decided to make the 9/11 WALL part of the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour memory album that will be presented to the FDNY. So make your donation today HERE and we'll place you on the 9/11 WALL of supporters within 12 hours.

9/11 Bus & Melbourne (Australia) 2011WPFG athlete, wearing 9/11 Patch

We also want to let you know that the 10 Yr 9/11 Patches and Decals are in stock for an immediate turn-around. Most domestic orders placed within the next day or so will make it to you within 2-3 days. So those looking for the patches or car decals, you can still get them in time for 9/11/11. To get the fund raising patches and decals, please go HERE. Remember, the patches, decals, pins and flag, helps our fund raising efforts but also gives you something tangible to remember and honor the heroes of 9/11.

9/11 Bus Tour's Fund Raising Efforts Across America

Three weeks left on the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour and we need your help! Fund raising across the U.S. in this economy and with all the recent mid west disasters, has been a tough one. We understand and that's why fund raising with the 9/11 Patch Project actually gives you back something tangible for your donation. Please look at how you can help us reach our donation goals by participating in one or more of the following:

• Get your name on our supporters' 9/11 WALL for only $9.11
• Get your name or organization's name in the reflective stripe that surrounds the 9/11 Bus for only $100.
• Get a 12" enlarged logo of your organization on this bus for $911.11.
• Purchase any of our fund raising 9/11 Patches, Decals, Pins or Flags (all net proceeds donated)
• Forward this news letter on to everyone you possibly can!

All the net proceeds from the list above, will go to:

-FDNY BRAVEST SCHOLARSHIP FUND
-TERRY FARRELL FUND
-FEAL GOOD FOUNDATION

Thanks very much for anything you are willing to do on behalf of our fund raising efforts.

Brett Hill- Founder/ Former Firefighter-Paramedic
9/11 Patch Project

World Police Fire Games 2011 Offers 10 Yr 9/11 Anniversary Patch

Scott Safety, one of the two sponsors of the 2011 World Police Fire Games, will be offering the 9/11 Patch Project's 10 Year 3-Hero's 9/11 Patch, during the August 26th-September 5th games.

The 100% embroidered patch measures 2 1/2" X 3 5/8" and was designed by the 9/11 Patch Project to honor the fallen Police, Fire, EMS and U.S. Military as a result of September 11, 2001. The gold circled "10" on the patch represents the 10 Yr mark of this tragic event in history.

The matching car decal for this patch, along with other 10 Yr 9/11 Anniversary items, can also be purchased directly from the 9/11 Patch Project website. 100% of the net proceeds of the patches will be donated, both at the 2011WPFG by Scott Safety and from the 9/11 Patch Project online store sales.

The other 10 Yr 9/11 Patch features a single firefighter holding an axe--rising over the Twin Towers. This patch will be worn by the FDNY Fire & Ice Hockey Team during the games with the "3-Heroes" version worn by all 56 members of the Melbourne Australia Team.

It is important to note that the Melbourne Australia team donated $550 dollars to the 9/11 Patch Project Fund to have the 10 Yr 3-Heroes 9/11 design directly embroidered on each of the 56 members' team jerseys.

Nearly 5000 of the 10 Yr 3-Heroes 9/11 patches will be available for purchase at the 2011WPFG games.

Ann Arundel County Firefighters Place Seal on 9/11 Bus

The week of August 1st started out great for the 10 yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Bus Tour. It was one of the busiest in the 6 month history of the national tour with a stop July 31st with Washington D.C. Firefighters, August 1st with Alexandria Firefighters, August 2nd with Northrop Grumman and Baltimore Firefighters and then, Ann Arundel County, the morning of the 3rd. And they were ready for us!

The photo is of Lt. Brandon Hiller of the Ann Arundel County Firefighters Association affixing their seal to the 9/11 Bus. Even before the bus arrived, and with just days to plan, the firefighters had already decided they would be ready with a check to present for the donation to get their seal on the bus. They even had their County Executive, John Leopold on hand for a speech. The day with Ann Arundel County representatives was one of the best welcomes the 9/11 Bus has had.

With 3 weeks still away from the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, it is the 9/11 Patch Project's hope that the bus will be covered with the seals of other supporters, both on the tour route and anyone else that wants to have their name or seal carried into Manhattan, September 7th. We want as many people and organizations out there to be counted among the nation's supporters when we arrive to visit with the FDNY, our three charities and other New Yorkers.

Right now, there is a great opportunity for anyone to get their name in the reflective stripe that surrounds the bus for only $100. The lettering will be reflective gold and each letter, 2" tall. So even as the bus travels down the road at night, all the names will be visible.

Logo's or "Seals," can still go on the bus for $911.11. There is plenty of space next to recent Platinum Sponsors; Ann Arundel County (MD), Chicago (IL), Rockford(IL), Philadelphia(PA), Carteret (NJ) and Northrop Grumman. You can go HERE to get it done today.

10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour Builds Momentum on East Coast

Washington D.C. Firefighters met with the 9/11 Bus Tour on July 31st and kicked off one of the busiest weeks for the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour since leaving Manhattan Beach (CA) on January 25th of this year.

The bus was then greeted by the Alexandria Firefighters on Monday August 1st, Northrup Grumman & Baltimore Firefighters on the 2nd, Ann Arundel County Firefighters on the 3rd, in the morning, and then Arlington Firefighters on the same day, in the afternoon.

All hosting agencies greeted the 9/11 Bus with enthusiasm and plenty of visitors. Sales of the fund raising 9/11 Patches and Decals were among the best recorded at Northrop Grumman's Electronics plant near Baltimore. Out of the visits for the week, Northrop Grumman, both Baltimore Fire unions and Ann Arundel County Firefighters, became sponsors by getting their logo's on the bus.

Ann Arundel County even had a surprise ceremony for the bus when it rolled in, including their county seal waiting to be placed on the bus. In the picture to the right, the Ann Arundel County Firefighters seal can be seen on the bus next to New Jersey's Carteret Firefighters and Philadelphia Firefighters IAFF Local 22. All the organizations that got on the bus, did so after a donation each, of $911.11 (the amount commensurate with the 10 Yr Anniversary of 9/11).

In addition to the fellowship, sharing stories, fund raising, and group photo's with the bus, the organizations getting their names and logo's on the bus, will ride with the bus the rest of the tour and roll into Manhattan around September 7th, to participate in 10 Yr 9/11 Anniversary ceremonies. It is a great opportunity for those that hosted tour stops and those who just wanted to be counted among the supporters of this historical journey, as the tour spends time in Manhattan with the FDNY and other New Yorkers.

More information about the national tour, getting the fund raising patches and getting on the bus, can be see here: 9/11 Patch Project website

Chicago Firefighters Local 2 & Northrup Grumman on the 9/11 Bus!

June 28th, 2011, the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Bus rolled into Chicago's Quinn Fire Academy around noon. The bus was met by Tom Ryan, Local 2 President, the Chicago Fire Commissioner, and many Chicago Fire personnel.

Craig and Pam, the tour coordinators, were really taken care of by Local 2!

After providing a brief presentation of what the 9/11 Patch Project was all about, the Fire Commissioner gave his approval for the 9/11 Patches on Chicago Fire job-shirts.

About 2 weeks later, after board approval, Chicago Local 2 went with the Platinum Sponsorship and now have their logo on the 9/11 Bus. Local 2 will now finish the tour with us and ride into Manhattan to meet with the FDNY and other New Yorkers.

We want to thank Chicago for welcoming the tour into their organization and really stepping up to support our fund raising mission! We sincerely hope that other IAFF Locals and organizations will also step up and get on the 9/11 Bus to take this historical journey with us!

We want to also thank Northrup Grumman for stepping up and joining the tour with us. We are scheduled for a big visit to Northrup Grumman on August 2nd, at their facility near Baltimore. As you can see, NG was proactive and already have their logo on the bus! I am sure it will be great for them to see their logo on the side of the 9/11 Bus as we pull into Northrup Grumman on the 2nd!

Here is more information about the tour, sponsorships and the fund raising 9/11 Patches and Decals.

Thanks to all those who have supported the 9/11 Patch Project as we also approach our 10th anniversary of helping the world remember the heroes of 9/11.

Brett Hill- Founder

Rockford Firefighters Get On The 9/11 Bus

The 9/11 Patch Project- Fire Careers Bus was recently touring cities in Illinois. Rockford Fire Department was a great hosted tour stop on the Manhattan to Manhattan Tour schedule.

Rockford Firefighters pulled out all the stops and even cooked breakfast and lunch for the tour! The tours great friends, the Pitkins (also Rockford residents) came out and brought some of their friends to greet the bus! 

It was also a great surprise to have Rockford Firefighters get on the bus with us by getting their logo placed near the driver door.

Our "Don't Miss The Bus" promotion gives organizations the opportunity to get their names in the reflective stripe around the bus (Gold Sponsorship) or their actual 12" logo on the bus (Platinum Sponsorship). Getting on the bus with us means you will finish the tour with us and ride into Manhattan with your name or logo on the bus for the FDNY and other New Yorkers to see. It also helps us pay for the tour expenses and raise additional funds.

More about the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour HERE. 

Learn about our 100 Ten Year 9/11 Helmet Window Decal give-a-way HERE.

Got Patch?

As good looking as these guys are, they are not models. They are firefighters-one wearing the 9/11 3-Heroes Patch on his turnout coat and the other wearing the 10 yr Original 9/11 Patch on his job-shirt.

One is Canadian and the other French. Both wear the patches, with the back drop of our American Flag, to honor the memory of the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD heroes that gave it all on 9/11/01. They wear the patches alongside fellow firefighters in the U.S. and 20 other countries.

For nearly 10 years now, the 9/11 Patch Project has been promoting these patches as permanent 9/11 Tribute Patches for the uniforms of Firefighters, EMT's, Police Officers and U.S. Soldiers. Proceeds from the sale of these patches are raised for three organizations; The FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund (providing $10,000 scholarships for the children of FDNY Firefighters), the Terry Farrell Fund (helping firefighters across America with equipment needs) and the Feal Good Foundation (Helping Fire, EMS, Police, Construction Workers and other personnel who became ill or injured after working at Ground Zero)

The project is open to the public and patches and decals are available for everyone. Rather than just ask for donations to support a cause, we raise funds from the sale of the patches--giving you all something very tangible for your donation. Something that helps the world remember the heroes of 9/11 and something that allows you to wear your heart on your sleeve.

So with the 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11 less than 4 months away, now is a great time for you and your organizations to pick some up- sew them on your clothing-and wear them proudly!

You can get the patches, decals, pins and flags at: 9/11 Patch Project-Order

Wear the 9/11 Patch for this up coming 10 Year 9/11 Anniversary

For nearly 9 years, the Marion Fire Department personnel in Illinois have been wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Pictured to the left is a Marion Firefighter wearing the Original 9/11 Patch.

This organization, along with thousands of others across the U.S., made a decision to honor the memory of their lost FDNY brothers by adding the 9/11 Tribute Patch to their uniforms. Some participated in the project by purchasing their patches years ago--while others, are still learning about the project and coming on board nearly 10-years later.

The 9/11 Patch Project's 10-Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour is now in Illinois and will be visiting the following organizations:

• June 9: Bloomington Firefighters, IL
• June 10: Decatur Firefighters, IL
• June 13: Springfield Firefighters, IL
• June 14: Peoria Firefighters, IL
• June 15: Aurora Firefighters, IL
• June 18: Village of Manhattan Police & Firefighters, IL
• June 23: Davenport Firefighters, IA
• June 25-26: Rockford Firefighters, IL
• June 28: Chicago Firefighters, IL

If you are in any of these areas for any of these dates, please come by each Cities headquarters fire station and help support our awareness and fund raising mission.

We also hope that if you are on the fence about whether of not to participate by wearing any of the 9/11 Patches or displaying any of the decals, the 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11 is only a couple of months ahead and a great time to make your move. Get your patches and decals now at: 9/11 Patch Project.

Four Words--PLEASE DON'T FORGET US!

"PLEASE DON'T FORGET US." These four words were spoken to an LAFD Firefighter from an FDNY Firefighter at Ground Zero, September of 2001.

As the LAFD USAR Task Force was getting ready to leave, after their initial 2-week tour at Ground Zero, they were shaking hands and one FDNY firefighter grabbed my friends hand--held it firmly--looked him straight in the eye--and deliberately spoke those four words. I heard this from my LAFD friend who had just returned from Ground Zero. He told me this because I asked him what touched him the most after spending two weeks there working alongside the FDNY, trying to recover fellow firefighters who were lost in the rubble of the World Trade Centers.

These four words led me to start the 9/11 Patch Project nearly 10 year ago. The project would produce a 9/11 Tribute Patch for all firefighter uniforms--a way to honor fallen brothers--a reminder of what we all signed up for--and a way to raise funds for the families of the fallen. I was a firefighter/paramedic of 15 years at the time, working in Southern California.

In the first year of the 9/11 Patch Project, mailers were sent to all fire departments across our nation. Some took the mail as junk and tossed it--some thought it the work of an opportunist wanting to capitalize on the death of firefighters to make money, and tossed it--and some ordered patches and continue to wear them on their uniforms to this day. The first run of patch orders brought over $15,000 that was donated to the FDNY Uniform Firefighters Association on September 11, 2002.

Today, I still send mailers but reluctantly. More of them are thrown away as Chiefs and Union Presidents remain skeptical or just feel it's time to move on. I send emails but most are taken as spam and are deleted or just ignored. The 9/11 Patch Project newsletter is even shrinking--and most are on the list because they made a purchase or signed on at some point and time.

What recently inspired me to write this blog was a response I received from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association after asking for their help to spread the word about the 9/11 Patch Project's 10 Year 9/11 Anniversary Plans to their State's Firefighters. One of the Board Members of the IFCA brought it up at one of their meetings and he told me there was just not enough interest in the project. WOW...have we really forgotten? Or is that just the feeling of the Fire Chief's in Idaho? (one of the first major 10 Year 9/11 Anniversary Tour stops was  in Jerome, Idaho.) I don't fault the messenger as I truly believe he thought highly of the project. Still on the other hand, the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association posted the info right on their home page. You can see it still there listed as the 2nd bullet point. Hit and miss but mostly miss! It's a lot of work but I never quit!

Even after 10 Years have gone by--many in America seemed to have moved on. Or at least the fire departments across the nation. Even with an endorsement from the FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association--fire departments remain skeptical or have just moved on. It's sad but I have witnessed the decline in support over the years, first hand.

You see when this project began nearly 10 years ago it was about remembering--not just for a year or two--remembering was supposed to mean forever.

As for me and the history of the 9/11 Patch Project, I will continue to remember and try and help the world continue to remember the heroes of 9/11. I'm not obsessed--I just feel a duty to continue responding to the words of one FDNY Firefighter nearly 10 years ago, who asked us on behalf of his brother FDNY Firefighters to never forget. Will you continue to remember? If you are a Fire Chief, will you lead--inspire--make your firefighters feel strong--try and bridge the enormous gap between chiefs and rank and file? Or will you tell them like a parent tells a child, it's time to forget about it and move on?

If you want to remember and continue to support the project, know that when you purchase the items on the project website that you are also contributing to the 9 year fund raising effort.

9/11 FLAG

The 9/11 Flag seen flying in front of this home belongs to a supporter of the 9/11 Patch Project and a supporter of the heroes that gave it all on 9/11.

The flag measures 3' X 5' and is a standard size flag. There are two sides of the flag sewn together to make it durable and able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Both sides are mirrored images so that when put together, has the stars and strips both right and left positioned--like a normal American Flag.

The material is a strong nylon/polyester and due to the double material--it will not tear during extreme wind conditions. The flag was made this way to ride on top of or behind fire apparatus and stay in tact.
 

The 9/11 flag can be used as a banner, fly from a pole or be hung at an event.  As seen in the picture to the right, the 9/11 Flag is hanging at the Harley Center in San Diego.

However people decide to display the 9/11 Flag, it is the 9/11 Patch Project's hope that all American's across our land with show their support this 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11, by getting one or two.

As is the case with the 9/11 Patches and Decals, these flags are also used to raise funds for the FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund, The Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.

The Loxley Fire Department chose the 9/11 Flag to fly next to the American Flag on the rear of their apparatus.

Other fire departments have elected to also fly the flag from the top of their apparatus or even hang it on the rear of the apparatus as a banner.

Get your 9/11 Flags here: 9/11 FLAG

A 9/11 Uniform Patch That Traveled Around the World

Belgian Firefighter "Bob"

Meet Bob, a firefighter from Belgium. Although, I have recently been corrected to refer to Bob as a "Belgian Firefighter." Bob supports his brother firefighters by wearing the 9/11 Patch on his Class-A uniform--a purchase he made nearly 10 years ago after the tragic events of 9/11.

No politics--no cultural differences--no boundaries, just a firefighter honoring the loss of hundreds of FDNY firefighters many thousands of miles away. Even though the patch bears the image of our U.S. Flag, he wears this patch from another country right on the front of his uniform.

Bob is not alone. Even today, nearly 10 years later, orders from Belgium come into the 9/11 Patch Project regularly. And Belgium is not alone, as orders from Germany, Sweden, Japan, China, Italy, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries continue to come in as firefighters and citizens alike, from these other countries, want to show their support for the lost heroes of 9/11. 

Italian Father and Son Firefighters

Ten years later, the 9/11 Patch Project reflects on the work the project has done. You see, it's been about more than just a patch. It's been about bringing both public safety and citizens from all countries back together--it's been about unity. The patch traveled around the world and has shown up on uniforms everywhere--making this project the largest and farthest reaching 9/11 Project in the world.

No back slapping and celebrating here; whether it's one of the 4 patches, decals, pins or flags, that people wear or display, it sends a clear message to folks around the world: We are united, strong, tenacious, enduring...WE ARE ONE!

With Bin Laden dead and forever lost at sea, we can move forward this 10th Anniversary of 9/11/01. We will still not forget the brave sacrifice our heroes made nearly 10 year ago but the patches, decals, pins and flags sends a message to the world that despite the time that's passed--the resiliency of our nations--WE WILL TRULY NEVER FORGET those that perished at the will of the most hated evil doer in the world.

So do you have your patch? Does your organization wear it already? There's no sunset to this project--remembering is forever. So pick your patch or decal up now and be counted.

Got Bus—A Uniform Patch—And 20 thousand Miles of Open Road

The 40-ton bus is on fire! It barrels down the open highway but no smoke can be seen billowing from its monstrous orange-red body. Look a little closer and you’ll see that it is actually wrapped with photographed fire scenes—well known structure fires that have occurred over the years in major U.S. cities. On the side of the bus in gigantic letters is the URL, FIRECAREERS.COM. look in your rear view mirror as you see the bus gaining on you and you’ll see a giant American Flag on the hood. It’s not an ordinary flag—it’s the iconic image of the 9/11 We Will Never Forget patch. Towards the bottom of the graphic you’ll see the WTC skyline with the silhouette of a firefighter holding an axe—rising above the Twin Towers. Just over the head of the firefighter is the date September 11, 2001. And at the bottom of the gold-bordered design, are the words WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

The bus is driven by retired Fire Captain Craig Freeman with his wife, Pam, navigating and constantly communicating with those hosting the next tour stop of the 10 Year 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour—a tour that left Manhattan Beach Fire Department in California with the goal of reaching Manhattan, New York, before 9/11/11. The tour is a joint effort with the 9/11 Patch Project to spread awareness of the 10 Year mark of 9/11 and raise donations through the sale of the 9/11 patches, decals, pins and flags. The fund raising mission will benefit the FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation—all New York based non-profits.

Three months prior to the FareCareers.com departure Craig met up with Brett Hill, founder of the 9/11 Patch Project, who was in a bit of a quandary. Brett had really wanted to host the West Coast 9/11/11 event but couldn’t find a venue or enough supporters to raise the 10’s of thousands necessary to make this happen. With Craig taking his company on the road for 9 months, it made sense to combine efforts and take the 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11 to communities across the nation. With the future of their company at risk, Craig and Pam still offered to make it happen.

The 9/11 Patch Project—is a project created 3 months after 9/11 with the goals of manufacturing and distributing special 9/11 uniform tribute patches for all Fire, Emt, Police and U.S. Military uniforms. The project was also designed to raise funds for the families of those lost on 9/11 and create unity among all emergency and military personnel. Over the past 9 years, the project grew to involve the participation of over 7,000 organizations in 22 countries. The 9/11 Patches can be seen on thousands of U.S. Firefighter uniforms, on the uniforms of foreign firefighters and on 1000’s of deployed U.S. troop military clothing—including our U.S. Navy SEAL’s.

“Don’t miss the bus,” has become the tour’s special saying as they roll though one horse towns, major cities and critical weather impacted areas. Space on the both sides of the bus enables people, companies and organizations to ride along with the tour. Getting their 1 foot enlarged logos and 2” lettering on the side of the bus gives advertisers/sponsors high visibility while helping fund the 20,000 mile journey with an average fuel cost of $1 per mile.

What makes this journey suddenly more incredible for Craig Pam and Brett, is the death of Osama Bin Laden at the hands of the 9/11 Patch wearing U.S. navy SEAL’s. This anniversary of 9/11 will not be like the others—the man behind the most heartless and tragic attacks on American Citizens, is gone forever and will no longer share the spotlight with the innocent American’s he killed, nearly 10 years ago. It is a special 9/11 anniversary this year—one that FireCarrrers.com and the 9/11 Patch Project is proud to share with fellow Americans across this beautiful and Osama-terror-free land.

Who's Wearing the 9/11 Patches

I was recently browsing the Internet to find some of the early adopters of the Original 9/11 Patch and I found this picture of Chief Mike Steh of the Herrin Fire Department in Illinois.

Chief Steh represents a fire department that first purchased the 9/11 Patches for their members back in March of 2002. For nearly 10-years, they have supported this project and made a pledge to never forget! Most important, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and share common threads with nearly 4000 other fire departments across the U.S.

With the 10 Year 9/11 Anniversary upon us, the 9/11 Patch Project is currently touring the nation with Fire Careers to spread awareness of the 10 year mark of 9/11, recruit other organizations to wear the patch and raise funds for the FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.All the net funds from the sale of any of the 9/11 Patches, decals and pins, will be donated along with other cash donations to the funds above. Please have a look at the schedule of the tour at the Fire Careers link above and contact Craig Freeman  if you think you can host a tour-stop. Keeping in mind it costs about $1 a mile to move the bus, we'd appreciate it if you can bring a good size crowd out!

We also encourage your organization to get on the bus with us though a sponsorship. The sponsorships range from getting your name in the reflective stripe that circles the entire bus to getting a 12" logo of your company on the side of the bus. This will help raise funds and contribute to the cost of fuel for the trip that is estimated at $20,000.

For those of you with a tighter budget, you can donate a much smaller amount and get on the 9/11 Patch Projects 9/11 WALL. It only costs $9.11 to get your name on the WALL.

Thanks to all the supporters out there that have helped us keep this project going strong the past 10 Years!

Get Your 9/11 Patches & Decals Before the Rush

Order the 9/11 Patches and decals for your organization before the summer rush. Every year, in the few months leading up to the anniversary of 9/11, many rush to order their patches and decals and it overwhelms the project. Last year, 450 orders came in from August 11 to September 11. With only a couple of us filling orders, it translated into some delays for those who purchased the patches and decals at the last minute. Many emailed or called asking where their patches were; within just a few days of ordering. Still, we managed to get 98% of orders to people prior to 9/11/10. I personally spent my entire summer processing orders. And most of the funds from orders went to pay the vendor bill left to us when Melissa Powell of "Keep Our Heroes safe," didn't pay her 5000 patch bill. So if you are going to make a large order for your organization, we will get it done but will need to receive payment prior--thanks to Melissa!

It is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and a very significant milestone for the 9/11 Patch Project that began its' efforts in December of 2001. As many of you know, there are over 6000 organizations represented (wearing on of the patches or displaying one of the decals) in 22 countries.

With the 10 Year 9/11 Anniversary Manhattan to Manhattan Tour well underway, patches and decals have been nearly sold out at every hosted tour stop. Donations have been given at every stop as well, so our entire fund raising mission is going very well!

Craig and Pam of FireCareers have done an incredible job driving thousands of miles all over the U.S. to be at these great hosted tour stops. As the tour moves on, the press is picking up the story and the crowds are growing! It's still not too late to get on the tour map. Contact Craig to see if he can fit you in. All we ask is that you bring a good size crowd if we can get your hosted stop on the tour. In some cases, Craig and Pam will make a significant diversion to make it to your stop. At $1 a mile, this gets very costly!

GOT BUS? Get on the 9-11 Patch Project Manhattan to Manhattan Tour BUS. Get your name, church, military unit, firefighter local, police officer local, business, or organization included in the FireCareers Bus SAFETY STRIPE of names. That’s right, we are starting to install our reflective stripe around the BUS. Our stripe will be multiple lines of inch and half reflective letters with names of those who donate $911.11 to the 9-11 Patch Project. Please show your support for these worthy organizations and make your donation today. Get on the BUS as soon as possible and show your support.

Thanks to all of you out there that are supporting this effort!