Shawn Matheson found himself straddling two different roles a quarter of a century ago. Working as a firefighter in Mississauga, he, along with his colleagues, witnessed the tragic events of 9/11 unfold before them with a profound understanding, given his military background. Juggling between the responsibilities of a firefighter and a soldier, Matheson was deeply affected by the unfolding events and the implications they carried.
Reflecting on the 9/11 attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals, including 24 Canadians, Matheson, who has experience as both a firefighter and a soldier, has a heightened awareness of the sacrifices and risks associated with service. This awareness led him to volunteer for the mental health non-profit organization Wounded Warriors Canada.
On the day of the attacks, Matheson’s fire station was tasked with assisting at a station near Pearson International Airport as U.S. airspace closed and planes diverted across Canada. The attacks coincided with a parade night for his reserve unit, the Governor General’s Horse Guards (GGHG), adding to the surreal atmosphere of the day.
As a former full-time armored soldier, Matheson anticipated Canada’s potential involvement in war following the attacks. In the midst of uncertainty, he and his fellow firefighters traveled to New York to pay respects at funerals as recovery efforts took place.
The camaraderie among firefighters from different departments, both in Canada and the U.S., was evident as they mourned together at Ground Zero. Matheson recalled the emotional impact of witnessing the recovery of additional remains while they were present.
Subsequently, as Canada’s engagement in the Afghan war intensified, Matheson led the GGHG, overseeing the deployment of 14 soldiers from his unit to support regular forces in Kandahar. Thankfully, all of them returned safely.
During the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Matheson participated in a Wounded Warriors fundraising bike ride in Belgium, reflecting on the evolution of support services for military personnel and first responders since the tragic events. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the mental toll faced by these individuals and highlighted the invaluable lesson of acknowledging the trauma experienced by those on the front lines daily.
In Matheson’s view, the events of 9/11 underscored the ongoing challenges and sacrifices made by first responders and military personnel. Their exposure to trauma on a daily basis, akin to being in a constant state of war, underscores the need for greater support and understanding for these individuals.