Twenty-five years ago, Shawn Matheson straddled two different roles. Working as a firefighter with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, he and his team witnessed the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks unfold live on TV, gaining a unique perspective on the horrors of that day. Concurrently serving as an officer in the reserves, Matheson had a sense of where the unfolding events were leading.
Reflecting on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Matheson, like many others, recalled the profound impact of that day which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 24 Canadians. His dual roles as a firefighter and a soldier have heightened his awareness of the sacrifices and challenges faced in service, leading him to volunteer with the mental health non-profit Wounded Warriors Canada.
On the day of the attacks, Matheson’s station was called upon to support firefighting efforts near Pearson International Airport as U.S. airspace closed and planes were diverted across Canada. The day of the attacks coincided with a parade night for his reserve unit, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Having served as a full-time armoured soldier in the 1980s and deployed to Bosnia before transitioning to a reservist and firefighter, Matheson emphasized the uncertainty and gravity of the situation. Following the attacks, he and fellow firefighters traveled to New York to pay respects at funerals and support recovery efforts.
As Canada’s involvement in the Afghan war intensified, Matheson led his unit, the Governor General’s Horse Guards, witnessing the deployment of 14 soldiers to Kandahar. Fortunately, all members returned safely. Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 during a fundraising bike ride for Wounded Warriors, Matheson highlighted the progress in support services for military and first responders, emphasizing the recognition of the trauma they face daily.
For Matheson, the events of 9/11 underscored the ongoing challenges and sacrifices of those on the front lines, whether in military or emergency services roles. The need to acknowledge and address the mental health impacts on these individuals is a crucial lesson learned from that fateful day.