PENNINGTON GAP, Va. (WJHL) — Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor, visited Pennington Gap on Thursday to commemorate the tragic events of Sept. 11.

Earle-Sears was joined by local veterans and law enforcement at the Pennington Gap Community Center in Lee County to pay her respects.

“Our emergency medical services, EMTs, and dispatch operators are crucial,” she stated. “It’s easy to overlook our dispatchers, but alongside law enforcement, their role is vital. They must feel acknowledged and appreciated. Their families too should understand that we recognize their dedication and sacrifices. As the lieutenant governor, I have the responsibility to ensure that they receive this acknowledgment from the highest levels.”

The lieutenant governor said the commonwealth wants to ensure nobody forgets those who died on Sept. 11.

Earle-Sears will visit Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell and Washington counties on Friday.