Lake Norman Publications

Lincoln County women’s group honors first responders



Flight attendant Brent Wallace, an American Airlines employee at the time of 9/11, demonstrates with tools available to flight attendants when acting as first responders in the air. /Matt Chapman

LINCOLNTON – A day after the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, the Lincoln County Republican Women hosted its annual first responders appreciation luncheon at the James W. Warren Citizens Center.

Local elected officials, including school board chair Heather Rhyne and Commissioner Cathy Davis, delivered remarks to the crowd of Lincoln County police, fire and EMS first responders, thanking them for their daily service. Special guests Lynne Smith and Brent Wallace, both American Airlines flight attendants at the time of 9/11, shared their recollection of that fateful day and spoke of the role flight attendants play as first responders in the air.

“We’re trained 95 percent safety and five percent service, but y’all see the reverse of that,” Wallace said. “Just like firefighters or any other first responders, you never want to see us do what we’re trained to do or handle. You’d rather see us popping a Coke and passing some pretzels.”

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