MFD Dispatcher's September 11 Tribute Jeep

The term 'Never Forget' gets used a lot during discussions of September 11th, 2001. 

has gone so far as to outfit his Jeep with 9/11 memorabilia as a tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives 11 years ago.

Rak has been working on the project since March, and many of the Jeep parts and accessories were donated by businesses that wanted to be a part of what he was doing.

Among the donated items are a BDS suspension system, a VisionX light bar, a High Lift fire rescue lift and Muddy Decals. The straps were donated, as well.

Rak has displayed the Jeep at such events as the , and has other appearances coming up.

It's taken a lot of work for Rak to get the Jeep into its current shape, but he says it's all been worth it.

"People tear up and shake my hand," Rak said of the reception that the Jeep has been getting, noting how much it means to many people. "That's why I do this."

Mike Dunn

Milford Fightfighter Mike Dunn has watched the Jeep's progression, as Rak worked on the project through most of 2012. 

"He just started one day," Dunn said. "Next thing I know, it turned into this."

Dunn was himself deeply affected by the events of September 11th, 2001. Up until that day, Dunn had been working two jobs, as a firefighter in Milford and running his own landscaping company.

As Dunn sat on his couch and watched the events of 9/11 unfold with his wife, he decided to quit his landscaping business.

"I wanted to focus on my family," he said. "Because I always worked. Family is more important."

Never Forget

Rak pointed out, "A couple of people asked, 'Why are you opening up the wounds?'" 

Rak said believes that it is important to remind people that after 9/11, "We bounced back."