PHOTOS: 9/11 Firefighters Memorial Unveiled in Algonquin

Family members of two area firefighters killed in the line of duty expressed their appreciation Tuesday evening as the community came together to welcome a new 9/11 firefighters memorial to .

The memorial, which contains a 15-foot steal beam from the World Trade Center, was dedicated to Edwin LeRoy "Roy" Benson and Capt. G.D. "Mac" McIntyre—the only two firefighters in the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District's history to die in the line of duty.

The memorial is also meant to recognize all firefighters who died on 9/11, said Kevin Rynders, fire chief for the.

Family members of both Benson and McIntyre were in attendance Tuesday evening. 

"We are so honored to be a part of this. Our families hold this fire protection district in our hearts. So keep safe." said Kathy McIntyre, daughter of G.D. "Mac" McIntyre.

Benson died on April 6, 1967 while advancing a hose line at a residential fire, according to the news release. McIntrye died while returning after an emergency incident on May 23, 1976.

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection Association raised over $30,000 in funds for the memorial. Volunteers spent over 100 hours errecting the memorial, Rynders said. 

Area firefighters traveled to New York City last November and received the beam from the Court Authority of New York City, Rynders said. 

Algonquin Village President John Schmitt spoke briefly at the ceremony and told the crowd the memorial is a fitting way to remember those who gave their lives to save others.

"We need to visit this memorial often," Schmitt said. "Visit it often and remember them."