Dover honors lives lost on Sept. 11, announces permanent memorial

posted on 9/15/2025

The City Council paused during Wednesday’s regular meeting to mark the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a ceremony of remembrance led by Mayor Robert Carrier, Dover Fire and Rescue, and the Dover Police Department.

The ceremony began with remarks from Fire Chief Perry Plummer, who reflected on the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center and the thousands more lost to illness in the years since.

“Their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us,” Plummer said.

Police Capt. David Terlemezian spoke of the 72 law enforcement officers killed on Sept. 11 and the many others who later succumbed to illness from their service at Ground Zero. He also read the names of the four Dover residents lost that day: Kathleen and Michael Shearer, passengers on Flight 175; Douglas Stone, a passenger on Flight 11; and David Scott Suarez, who was at the World Trade Center. 

“Their names remind us that September 11th was not only a national tragedy, but also a loss felt right here in Dover,” Terlemezian said.

The remembrance included a musical tribute by Firefighter/Paramedic Sierra Rodenhuise, who performed “God Bless America,” and the tolling of the bell by Battalion Chief Keith Irwin, a tradition honoring fallen firefighters and first responders.

Mayor Carrier announced that the city will establish a permanent memorial to be dedicated on the 25th anniversary next year. A 9/11 Memorial Committee, chaired by the mayor, will oversee funding, design and site selection.

The full ceremony is available at https://dovernh.viebit.com/watch?hash=bPQO0KWGNfkQGxJn.