Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Matheson found himself straddling two distinct worlds. Working as a firefighter for Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, he witnessed the live broadcast of the twin towers’ collapse in New York City, providing him and his colleagues with a profound understanding of the tragedy. Additionally, as a reservist officer, Matheson had a sense of where the unfolding events were headed.
Reflecting on the September 11, 2001 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals, including 24 Canadians, Matheson, who serves as both a firefighter and a soldier, has a deep appreciation of the sacrifices and risks associated with service. This appreciation eventually led him to volunteer for the mental health non-profit Wounded Warriors Canada.
On the day of the attacks, a portion of Matheson’s station was tasked with relieving firefighters at a station near Pearson International Airport as U.S. airspace closed, causing numerous aircraft to land across Canada. The attacks coincided with a parade night for his Toronto-based reserve unit, the Governor General’s Horse Guards (GGHG), creating a surreal atmosphere for Matheson.
“It was a very unique day to be putting on our uniform, realizing that in all likelihood, Canada would be going to war,” Matheson expressed. Having started his career as a full-time armored soldier in the 1980s and served in Bosnia before transitioning to a reservist and firefighter, he emphasized the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the unfolding events.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Matheson and fellow firefighters traveled to New York to attend funerals and offer support as remains were recovered from the wreckage. The strong bonds within the firefighting community, both in Canada and the U.S., were evident during this time, with Matheson recalling the camaraderie and connections among firefighters from different departments.
As Canada’s involvement in the Afghan war intensified, Matheson, now commanding the GGHG, witnessed 14 soldiers from his unit being deployed to reinforce regular force units in Kandahar. Fortunately, all of them returned safely. Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Matheson participated in a fundraising bike ride through Canadian First World War battlefields in Belgium, contemplating the evolution of support services for military personnel and first responders since the tragic events of 2001.
Acknowledging the impact of traumatic events on first responders, Matheson emphasized the importance of recognizing their struggles, highlighting the daily challenges faced by those in the firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency medical services sectors. For Matheson, the enduring lesson of 9/11 lies in the acknowledgment and support for those who put their lives on the line every day without knowing what the future holds as they head back home after each shift.
