Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Matheson found himself straddling two distinct worlds. As a firefighter at Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, he and his colleagues witnessed the harrowing collapse of the twin towers in New York City live on television, their understanding of the tragedy deeper than most. Simultaneously serving as an officer in the reserves, Matheson had an intuitive sense of the unfolding events.
Reflecting on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 24 Canadians, Matheson, like many, has been contemplating the lasting impact of that fateful day. His dual roles as a firefighter and a soldier have heightened his awareness of the sacrifices and challenges that come with service, leading him to volunteer with the mental health non-profit organization, Wounded Warriors Canada.
Coincidentally, on the day of the attacks, a segment of Matheson’s station was called upon to relieve firefighters at a station near Pearson International Airport as U.S. airspace was shutting down, diverting incoming aircraft across Canada. The attacks unfolded on a Tuesday, which also coincided with parade night for his Toronto-based reserve unit, the Governor General’s Horse Guards (GGHG), creating a surreal atmosphere.
“It was a very unique day to don our uniform, realizing that Canada was likely heading to war,” Matheson reflected. Having transitioned from a full-time armored soldier in the 1980s to serving in Bosnia before becoming a reservist and firefighter, he emphasized the uncertainty and gravity of the situation at hand.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, Matheson and his fellow firefighters traveled to New York to pay respects at funerals as remains were recovered from the debris. The strong camaraderie within the firefighting community, spanning borders, was evident as they stood in solidarity with their American counterparts during a time of immense loss.
As Canada’s involvement in the Afghan war intensified, Matheson assumed command of the GGHG, witnessing 14 soldiers from his unit being deployed to support regular force units in Kandahar. Fortunately, all of them returned safely.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Matheson participated in a Wounded Warriors fundraising bike ride through Canadian First World War battlefields in Belgium, prompting reflections on the evolution of support services for military personnel and first responders since the tragic events of 9/11. Acknowledging the impact of trauma on first responders, Matheson highlighted the overdue recognition of their sacrifices and daily challenges.
For Matheson, the enduring lesson of 9/11 lies in the acknowledgment of the relentless exposure to trauma faced by those on the front lines. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, he emphasized, confront a daily battle akin to warfare, uncertain of the outcomes as they return home after each shift.
