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.
Official statistics show that 343 firefighters lost their lives on that day, but there were really 344
Exploring the shift from reactive to preventative strategies in emergency services and the crucial role of technology and health initiatives
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue works to ensure that the next generation of firefighters understand the legacy of 9/11’s fallen firefighters
Lt. Cruz Fernandez, 52, died in 2006; his wife argued that his death was related to his time spent at Ground Zero
Nicholas Scoppetta, 83, was commissioner from 2002 to 2009; he helped rebuild the department following 9/11
The term first responder has outlived its usefulness to the point of becoming detrimental to those who respond first
Discarded smoking materials and mulch too close to the building are cited as the likely cause of the 2014 fire at the Flight 93 memorial in Pa.
He honored retired firefighter Ray Pfeifer, who spent months digging through World Trade Center debris searching for firefighters’ remains, with a key to the city
Firehouse dog “Twenty” was donated to the department as a puppy; she was remembered for her loyal companionship
It is expected to pass this week and will extend health monitoring and treatment through 2090, making the program permanent
William Bratton said the country still hasn’t paid its debt to the first responders of 9/11
The Comedian continues his advocacy to renew a law that provides health benefits for first responders who became ill after the Sept. 11 terror attacks
Jack McNamara, 9, held a sign that read, “Don’t let other dads die! I miss my dad, FDNY firefighter John F. McNamara.”
Batt. Chief James Costello, 52, died the day before Thanksgiving; officials continue to urge Congress to reauthorize the Zadroga Act
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act must pass out of four key committees and secure agreement on a way to pay for it
Building for America’s Bravest program builds high-tech smart homes for catastrophically injured fire service members
Developers say the controversial experience showing a World Trade Center worker’s perspective, called “08:46,” is a “tribute to the victims”
The 5-foot-long, 3,500-pound beam, one of the last pieces of the World Trade Center, is being given to a fire department in Colorado
Federal officials who administer the program say it will face challenges by February and will have to start shutting down by next summer
The annual Stephen Siller 5K Run and Walk honors the off-duty firefighter who raced in full gear toward Ground Zero during the 9/11 terrorist attack
In 2010, Stewart dedicated an episode of “The Daily Show” to shame Congress into passing the Zadroga Act
Customers said the employees were disrespectful, saying that volunteer firefighters were “fake” since they didn’t have a uniform to wear as proof
He rarely left his room at his parents’ house where he posted his boasts on a site frequented by ISIS supporters; he confided in an online acquaintance that he was an “online troll” who liked to stir up trouble through hoaxes
The golden retriever traveled from Cypress, Texas, with her owner, Denise Corliss, to work with dozens of other dogs and humans to find victims in the rubble of the World Trade Center
The fire chief said the trip served as a bonding moment not only among fathers and children, but among the young firefighters
The 42-year-old firefighter is seen dancing with his 4-year-old son; the video has been shared more than 1,500 times
Joshua Goldberg, 20, is accused of sending instruction to an FBI informant on how to make a pressure-cooker bomb; if convicted, he could face 20 years in prison
The most profound loss on that fateful day in 2001 was the loss of family
They added the names of the firefighters who died of illness after being part of the rescue and recovery effort
Lt. Joe Torrillo: “Don’t be afraid when life throws a detour sign in your way. Embrace it.”
Lawmakers called on Congress to prevent expiration of the James Zadroga Sept. 11 Health and Compensation Act, which is set to expire next year
The mother-of-two blamed her illness on inhaling dust particles
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