PORT TOWNSEND — Five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the thought of those who perished — nearly 3,000 — is still fresh in the mind of retired fire Capt. John Skinner.

“I just can’t fathom the carnage that took place,” Skinner told about 30 people who attended a 9/11 memorial ceremony at the base of the 75-foot Fire Bell Tower at Jefferson and Tyler streets.

Skinner recalled the many New York City firefighters who ran up the steps of the Twin Towers while others fled downstairs.

Those firefighters, he said, already knew they would not be getting out alive.

Skinner, a close friend and former Southern California firefighting colleague of Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Mike Mingee, was the keynote speaker at Sunday’s 9/11 memorial service.

“We’re here to remember all those who lost their lives,” said Mingee, who organized the annual memorial service.

The fire chief addressed an audience that included Assistant Fire Chief Ted Krysinksi, Port Townsend Council members Laurie Medlicott, Geoff Masci, Catharine Robinson and Mayor Mark Welch, Police Chief Conner Daily, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Brasfield and County Treasurer Judi Morris.

Also taking part in the memorial was Mingee’s wife, Cheryl, who sang the national anthem, and Karl Barden, Jefferson County Public Safety chaplain, who said a prayer.

Bagpiper Bill Shepherd played “Amazing Grace” beside the Old Bell Tower.

Krysinski commanded firefighters Trevor Bergen and Carl Tesch to ring the 1,500-pound bell in a three-alarm ring four times.