“First In” at the Gann 

By Cody Berry

September 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks in New York City, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, that changed history. During those terrible events in September 2001, many first responders and their families were forever changed as was the nation. Some of them lost their lives while serving their communities wearing uniforms like those worn by our local firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and Sheriff’s deputies. This exhibit is our tribute to Saline County’s first responders past and present. 

This provided the inspiration for our fall exhibit “First In: A Tribute to Our First Responders.” While the attacks didn’t happen in Saline County, we can shine light on our first responders here in Arkansas. Those brave people take the risk of being part of such events every day. 

We will be using artifacts on loan from the Benton Fire and Police Departments to represent our police officers and firefighters. We have also reached out to Pafford to represent our EMTs, the Saline County Sheriff’s Department, and our friends at the Arkansas Firefighter Museum in Mabelvale for historical items. Our exhibit will include historical information and context on these artifacts, detailing how we used to respond to catastrophic events, and how that has changed over time.  

We would like to thank Captain Russell and Lt. Michael Payton of the Benton Police Department, Fire Chief Russ Evans and Assistant Chief Jay Chitwood of the Benton Fire Department, David Chreene and Kelley Mehring of Pafford EMS, and Captain Daniel Dodson of the Saline County Sheriff’s Department. We also want to thank Bob Franklin and Warren Kuhn, Jr of the Arkansas Fire Museum. This exhibit would not happen without their help. “First In” will be on display at the Gann Museum from September 11 to December 18, 2026.  

Museum Day will be on September 12. The Gann Museum is one of nine local museums participating this year. The museum will be open on that day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.