Honoring Service, Securing Futures: TEXPERS Observes Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, caused significant loss of life and lasting trauma for our nation. The events of that day, the emergency response, and the acts of selflessness—from individuals sworn to duty and everyday people alike—remain powerful reminders of the value of public service. Today, on Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor the victims and the heroes of 9/11. We also reflect on the millions of public employees who serve our communities every day—teachers, police officers, firefighters, city workers, and countless others who form the backbone of civic life in Texas and across the country.
From Texas to Ground Zero
In the days following the 9/11 attacks, Texas A&M Task Force 1, a FEMA urban search-and-rescue team made up of firefighters, medical specialists, structural engineers, and canine handlers, deployed to Ground Zero. They worked tirelessly amid the debris of the World Trade Center, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines public safety professions. Even their four-legged team member, Bretagne the golden retriever, searched for survivors and the missing. Two decades later, these responders were honored in Texas for their bravery and dedication.
Their story reflects the courage of public employees everywhere. Beyond those who answer the call in moments of national crisis, millions of others serve every day in classrooms, city halls, and neighborhoods across the country.
By the Numbers
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey:
- 1,040,000 firefighters and fire protection workers protect U.S. communities.
- 697,000 police officers and 113,000 detectives uphold public safety.
- Nearly 4.1 million teachers prepare the next generation for the future.
- In total, 22 million Americans serve in state and local government roles.
Approximately 1.4 million people in Texas are employed in public service across state and local government, including more than 328,000 in state agencies and higher education institutions alone. These individuals teach our children, safeguard our neighborhoods, and run our communities.
Why Secure Retirement Matters
Public employees dedicate their careers to protecting, educating, and serving others. In return, secure and reliable retirement benefits—like those offered through defined benefit pension systems—provide dignity, stability, and peace of mind after years of service.
For police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, these benefits are often the only financial security available after careers that demand personal sacrifice and carry significant risks. For teachers, municipal staff, and other public employees, pensions serve as a promise that their decades of service will be honored with retirement security.
Importantly, pensions also protect the families of public employees. In the event of a worker's death—whether in the line of duty or later in life—survivor benefits ensure that spouses and children are not left without support. For many families, this continuation of income provides stability during the most difficult times, honoring both the service of the employee and the needs of those they leave behind.
At TEXPERS, we advocate for the continued strength of public employee retirement systems because they reflect the values we recognize today: service, resilience, and commitment to the greater good.
As we remember the victims and heroes of 9/11, we also reaffirm our responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to public service. Secure retirements are not only a benefit but a way of honoring the service that keeps our communities strong.
Together, we remember. Together, we serve. Together, we protect the future.
We encourage you to share how you honor the day using hashtags #PatriotDay, #NationalDayofService, and #ProtectPensions.
About the Columnist: Art Alfaro is Executive Director of the Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS). He served the City of Austin for 31 years, including 13 as City Treasurer, overseeing cash, debt, and investment management programs. A former trustee on the city’s three pension funds, Alfaro has also held leadership roles with the Government Treasurers’ Organization of Texas and other statewide finance associations. [email protected]