On September 11, 2001, terrorists used hijacked airplanes as weapons to attack the United States. Two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City. One plane flew into the side of the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers stormed the cockpit. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attack.
Thousands of first responders answered the call that day to search for survivors amid the rubble, smoke and debris, with 343 firefighters ultimately perishing in the collapse of the Twin Towers and countless more succumbing to 9/11-related illnesses from working at Ground Zero.
Use this resource page to learn about developments in healthcare protections for 9/11 first responders, read the experiences of those who were there and reflect on those who left a legacy behind.
To share your 9/11 story, please email editor@firerescue1.com.
Climbing to honor FDNY Chief Ray Downey and the 343
Hundreds gather at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster to climb 2,200 steps
A new installation at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum explores the lasting impacts of the dust that blanketed New York in the wake of the terrorist attack
Over 1,000 firefighters and members of the FDNY have been diagnosed with forms of cancer, respiratory problems or other 9/11-related illnesses
Each chime generates a distinctive sound, and rows of trees that ring the site symbolize sound waves
In the years since Sept. 11, 2001, firefighters have been elevated in TV shows, movies and advertising as modern heroes
Jimmy Martinez, a World Trade Center and Hurricane Sandy first responder, died after a long battle with bone marrow cancer
The federal government has hired Optum to operate a new clinic in Manhattan for survivors of the 9/11 attacks who have enrolled in an ongoing health program
Retired White Plains Fire Department Lt. Clark Douglass, 53, was one of 60 members of his department who assisted the FDNY after the World Trade Center attacks
“I actually saw the first plane aim for the building, and I knew I was going to the largest fire of my life,” Joseph Pfeifer said
Former Utica Fire Chief Russel Brooks said he still believes he could return to duty, despite his impending mandatory retirement date in October
“I am glad that the committee heard this community’s concerns and acted to keep the World Trade Center Health Program working as is,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney said
Assistant Chief Ronald Spadafora helped lead rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, and died of toxins he was exposed to
Steven Shapiro was sentenced to 68 days in jail for fraud, dealing in stolen property, grand theft and illegal use of credit cards
The steel was donated in memory of Chicago Fire Department Capt. Herbert Johnson, who traveled to New York with other firefighters to help after the attacks
The family of Joe Battista, who died after choking at an institution, called FDNY’s refusal to grant him 9/11-related disability an “outrage”
Battalion Chief David Lachenauer lost his nearly yearlong battle with cancer just 17 days into his retirement
Sen. Terrence Murphy said the bill is meant to help responders who were sickened by their efforts at Ground Zero get the help they need
Eighteen-year FDNY veteran Keith Young made a culinary name for himself, winning several TV cooking challenges and writing his own cook book
Thomas Phelan became a firefighter two years after he helped evacuate hundreds from Manhattan as a ferry captain
Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks said he has sought acknowledgement from the city that his chronic lymphocytic leukemia stems from his 9/11 response
The 5K will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which remembers those who lost their lives during the attacks and helps first responders
“The museum itself is a testament to the ability to be resilient, as Americans,” a high school senior said
The comedian joined advocates opposing a proposal they said could threaten health care treatment for 9/11 first responders
Lawmakers say the impact would be dreadful for the more than 83,000 responders and survivors who rely on the WTC Health Program
Brooks claimed his request for 9/11-related illness benefits were denied, but the judge said his request was really a proposed compromise for a separate matter
FDNY EMT Salvatore Turturici was gifted the wheelchair by the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, which specializes in helping sickened first responders
Utica fire Chief Russell Brooks will has sought to be recognized by the city for compensatory benefits due to a medical condition he says is related to 9/11
Lt. Edward McDonagh, 49, lost his three-year battle against stage 4 colon cancer
Five hours before the memorial was dedicated, Leonard went into the site by himself, saying he wanted to be along with his thoughts as he digested it
FDNY firefighters make up most of the 118 new names etched onto to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Video footage allegedly shows Michael Wagemann ripping down two American flags that were placed around the Denton County Courthouse
Fire Chief Tom Mesler and his wife went to NYC for the 16th annual memorial service, courtesy of HRN Restoration & Construction
MOST POPULAR
- Union: Over 1K in FDNY suffer from Ground Zero illnesses 17 years later
- ‘My father’s heroic qualities inspired me’: Finding my place in a bewildering world
- ‘Working together is success:' Wash. fire chief prepares to wrap up nearly 50-year career
- Presidents, dignitaries, victims’ families mark 20-year anniversary of 9/11
- FDNY addition of names to WTC memorial totals 342