NILES — When the Sept. 11 tragedy occurred 17 years ago, police, firefighters and ambulance personnel were the first to enter the scene.

To thank local first responders for their service and remember the Sept. 11 tragedy, the Chalet of Niles hosted a breakfast Tuesday morning in the parking lot. The breakfast included coffee and donuts and drew first responders from the Niles Fire Department, Niles Police Department and SMCAS.

Elissa Cole, the marketing and missions manager for the Chalet of Niles, said this is the first year that the nursing home has hosted the breakfast.

“We wanted to make sure we [showed how] appreciated the first responders are and make sure they now how important they are to our community,” Cole said.

Helping to pass out donuts and coffee was Ariel Paholski, who works for Chalet of Niles. She echoed Cole’s sentiment.

“It’s nice to see everyone out that comes to help us out on a daily basis,” Paholski said.

As they wrapped up the breakfast, first responders and Paholski also had the Sept. 11 tragedy in the back of their mind. 

“It’s never forgotten and we are stronger as a country,” Cole said.