CHINA GROVE — Local firefighters and emergency responders have organized a Sept. 11 observance that will include a display of firetrucks, including the one from the 2004 John Travolta movie “Ladder 49.”

The ceremony to honor emergency responders will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Price of Freedom Museum in China Grove.

A number of local fire and rescue departments as well as law enforcement officers will participate.

The 1974 Seagrave truck from “Ladder 49” was purchased by Kannapolis Emergency Services Director Tracy Winecoff earlier this year. It was used in the movie that was filmed in Baltimore.

The film studio leased the truck from the Baltimore Fire Department and returned it once filming was complete, Winecoff said. A New Jersey collector then bought the truck and, after some time, put it up for sale on eBay.

A friend sent Winecoff the link in late May, and he and a group of firefighters made the trip to New Jersey to see the truck. They planned to tow the truck to Kannapolis, but they were able to drive it. The group stopped at the Baltimore fire station where it had been used on the way home.

Winecoff, who is with the Kannapolis Fire Department, has been in the fire service since age 14. His father was also in the fire service. He was thrilled to be able to buy the truck and take his son, Brayden, along for the trip.

The truck has been on display at local gatherings and in local parades. People attending the 9/11 observance will be able to take pictures of the truck.

Other area departments will have police, fire and emergency vehicles on display as well. The N.C. Fallen Firefighters will sponsor a trailer that will have information about firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty.

Information about fire safety will be available, and food vendors will be on hand.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office will have its DARE car on display.

An opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. followed by a speech by Dan Peters, who is retired from the South Salisbury and Granite Quarry fire departments and is currently the Salisbury Fire Department chaplain.

The observance will go on rain or shine, said co-organizer Bill Hamrick.

The permanent military exhibits at the museum will also be open.

The program would be even better if actor John Travolta could attend, Hamrick said. Hamrick said he’s made inquiries with Travolta’s representatives but as of this week has not received a response.

The Price of Freedom Museum is at 2420 Weaver Road, just off Patterson Road in the southern part of Rowan County.

Any other emergency or fire agencies that want to participate should contact Bill Hamrick at 704-202-0325.