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.
Show your gratitude to those who serve on the front lines of your community
The FDNY added the names of 32 firefighters and EMS personnel to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall
Turning turn traumatic memories into hope and action to make a difference
A volunteer group of police officers, firefighters and union workers who responded to the World Trade Center attacks will work with Newtown’s first responders on a year-long program to treat symptoms of crime-scene trauma
The 63-year-old, who’s retired, gets $3.3 million in a lump-sum payment after taxes are taken out
Michael O’Connell carried his helmet home when he retired in 2009, shortly after being diagnosed with sarcoidosis
Proceeds from the May 17 climb will support service members who’ve been catastrophically injured in war and help educate children who’ve lost a parent
The terrorist attack on the twin towers was one of two big events that set the stage for a change in evacuation philosophy
James Woods, 44, completed a 24-hour shift Christmas morning, returned home and felt ill
Chief Russell Brooks said they started putting the sign up after the 9/11 terrorist attacks
She will be the first daughter of a firefighter who died on 9/11 to become a firefighter
Firefighters cut the window’s glass and rescued the window washers trapped on the scaffolding dangling 69 stories
The official opening marked a symbolic return to some sense of normalcy for the site where the towers toppled
A United Airlines Flight 93 boarding pass, a Newark International Airport parking receipt and passengers’ identification cards were among the artifacts lost
The investigation has found no signs of arson or foul play in the Oct. 3 fire
White paint was used to deface the memorial to fallen first responders
An initial inventory indicated the losses included a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11
The fire at the museum’s temporary headquarters also destroyed other personal of the passengers and crew
The law, which funds treatment for workers sickened by the toxic fumes of Ground Zero, expires in 2016
Commissioner Daniel Nigro said their deaths are a painful reminder that 13 years later we continue to pay a terrible price for the department’s heroic efforts
The relationship between the two departments began in the Civil War after sending a modern hose carriage to a department in need
Each time, he has tailored his message to the moment, at different points stressing themes of service, resilience, tolerance, reconciliation
The passengers and crew revolted against hijackers set on crashing into the White House or Capitol
The National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum was open for the first time on the anniversary
The chief did not comment, but the four firefighters say the dust up is over American flag stickers
The 1-ton and half-ton bells were used to notify volunteer firefighters between 1895 and 1923
Intelligence expert says, it is layer upon layer upon layer — not all coming from the same place or ideology
Elected officials want a 25 year-extension for the soon-to-expire fund to compensate responders who became ill working at ground zero
At issue is a county ethics rule not allowing fire trucks to participate in private-business events
Applicants got advice on failing memory tests, feigning symptoms and described fears of planes and tall buildings to support PTSD claims
Stephen Skipton Sr. was a 25-year veteran of the fire service and also responded to the World Trade Center attacks
More than 2,500 Ground Zero responders are seeking compensation for cancer, up from 1,140 cases reported last year
It was returned with a note that said: “I am so sorry, I had no idea.”
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