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Prescott Valley observes 14th annual Healing Fields remembrance on Sept. 11
Summary
Prescott Valley held its 14th annual Healing Fields remembrance on Sept. 11, 2025, bringing together elected officials, first responders, veterans and residents to honor victims of the Sept. 11 attacks with recorded final messages, keynote speeches and a closing rifle salute and taps.
Prescott Valley held its 14th annual Healing Fields remembrance on Sept. 11, 2025, drawing residents, elected officials, veterans and first responders to a field of flags representing lives lost on 09/11/2001. Mayor Kel Pagoda opened the ceremony and asked those who serve — elected officials, current and former first responders, and military veterans — to stand and be recognized.
Central Yavapai Fire and Medical Authority Chief John Fedema, one of the event’s keynote speakers, framed the evening around recorded final messages from people on hijacked aircraft and urged unity in memory of the dead. "We're remembering the lives lost," Fedema said, noting the human cost behind the rows of flags. Prescott Valley Police Department Chaplain Jerry Ferguson delivered the invocation and cited ongoing health effects for some first responders linked to toxic exposures after the attacks.
The program included presentation of the colors by combined police and fire honor guards, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by Prescott Valley police officer April Sokopoulos. Recordings of final calls and brief messages from people aboard hijacked aircraft were played to the crowd; organizers said those recordings underpinned the evening’s purpose of remembering victims and their families.
Prescott Valley Police Chief Bob Teiser thanked the crowd for supporting first responders and veterans and described the flags as a reminder to pass on the community’s commitment to safety. "Freedom is precious," Teiser said, urging attendees to find someone who does not yet understand that message and to share it.
The ceremony concluded with firefighters lowering a flag at Town Hall, a final rifle salute and Echo Taps performed by American Legion Post 6 honor guard, and a performance by the Arizona Pipes and Drums. Attendees were invited to walk the healing field and reflect on the night’s remembrances.
The event was organized by town volunteers and the Healing Fields committee; organizers asked the public to use the time to remember the victims and consider ways to support local veterans and first responders.
