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.
“Thank you, Dad, for saving lives, but most of all for coming home”
Ceremonies remembering the fallen are led by the children and young adults born after the terror attacks
For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten
Participants followed the footsteps of Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on 9/11
The responders will now be eligible for unlimited paid sick leave with full salary coverage
Each of the 343 firefighters carried the name of a firefighter who lost their life responding to the terror attacks
Trump often lauds the bravery of New York police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders who rushed to the Twin Towers
A petition issued earlier this year sought at least 1,500 signatures to have a ferry named after fallen firefighter John Chipura
A separate plaque will have the names of responders who spent time in the rubble and died of causes that were suspected to be linked to toxins at the site
Retired FDNY EMT Salvatore Turturici was gifted a motorcycle after wanting to ride one since his cancer diagnosis
Deborah Greenspan allegedly awarded millions of dollars in federal contracts to her own law firms from a fund meant to help those with 9/11 related illnesses
Robert and Raymond Alexander were both first responders during the World Trade Center attacks
Michael Duffy retired from the FDNY in 2002 after 20 years with the department
Clarence Wilburn II’s disease was thought to be a result of breathing the dust, smoke and ash at Ground Zero
The Tunnels to Towers organization will use the money to build smart homes for injured service members
The museum will be farther away from the World Trade Center memorial but with triple the space
He lobbied for the renewal of the Zadroga Act, which provides health benefits to first responders who fell ill after 9/11
Twenty-five high school students visited the museum thanks to local fire, police and EMS union members
Robert “Bert” Mentrasti responded to the World Trade Center attacks as part of a technical rescue team
James “Jimmy” Lanza, 71, was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer last year
The 9/11 Commission said there’s a “likelihood” that Saudi-government-sponsored charities funded the attacks
FDNY firefighter Jimmy Martinez was diagnosed with cancer after the Sept. 11 attacks and has been in remission for over a year
FDNY firefighter Robert Newman is the fourth firefighter to die from a 9/11-related illness this year
Aric Tegtmeier said he was inspired by his father’s sacrifice and wanted to continue his legacy
Lt. Edith Torres was off-duty when the World Trade Center was struck, but she responded regardless
Firefighter Brian J. Masterson, 61, died of esophageal cancer; he leaves behind a wife and three children
The 1969 fire truck, a movable memorial that will participate in parades, fundraisers, school events and other occasions will raise awareness about 9/11
Inter-agency communication gaps and information hoarding stands in the way of fire prevention
Joseph “Toolie” O’Toole, 61, was surrounded by family when he died at home after a long battle with cancer
Henry Plowman, 44, responded to the plane crash at the Pentagon; he was diagnosed with cancer due to exposure from jet fuel
For some people, the condition is so debilitating that they have trouble going about daily routines
Fire Lt. John Rodriguez, 53, was involved with decontaminating rigs that were used during 9/11
The top videos of September were a mix of 9/11 tributes and education and training clips
MOST POPULAR
- Deadline looms for 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund registration
- ‘We stand with the FDNY’: Stagnaro reflects on the NFFF’s role after 9/11
- Police: Man accused of vandalizing NY FD’s 9/11 memorial apprehended in Calif.
- FDNY leaders urge members not to attend 9/11 events
- From the darkest days at Ground Zero emerge signs of honor, hope, resilience