News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

THOMSON, Ga. -- We're just days away from the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11.

On Friday, it was a special day of remembrance in McDuffie County.
Dozens of public safety officials gathered for a luncheon to honor and remember those lost miles away.

It's a tradition that was started by former Thomson officer, Richard Redd, and 911 dispatcher, Pat Garbutt.

Redd died in a motorcycle accident and Garbutt died of a medical condition, however, other officers have taken up the tradition.

McDuffie County Sheriff's Deputy Barry Whitfield spoke about the importance of the gathering just before lunch.

"Some people say it didn't happen here in McDuffie County, but that's not true," Whitfield said. "It happened worldwide and all were affected by it. We are gathered here to remember, to console and to pray."

News 12's Sheli Muniz joined them at the luncheon. There were mounds of pork chops, sausages, corn and potato salad all donated from various area businesses.