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.
Republicans and Democrats sounded the alarm over Kennedy’s plan to gut NIOSH, warning it could cripple the 9/11 health program that thousands of first responders and survivors rely on
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
David Childs’ design of the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper, once known as the Freedom Tower, is the centerpiece of the redevelopment of Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks
The measure also includes members of the military who responded to 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, unlike the original legislation
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Pfeifer will manage day-to-day operations; the retired chief is known for his work in counterterrorism and disaster preparedness
Former Firefighter Michael Weinstock, who suffers from a neurological condition, hopes to raise awareness of the healthcare needs of 9/11 emergency responders
North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz “was putting everybody else above himself, just what he has done his entire life,” said Chief Paul Januszewski
Thomas D. Healy served with the department for 35 years
Matthias Wirtz, a 22-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department, received CPR before being transported to a hospital
The health program is facing a $3 billion deficit over the next decade
Greg “Mickey” Hansen joined FDNY a few months after 9/11, having searched for his sister and assisted others after the planes struck the Twin Towers
The CDC changed the contractors who run the National Provider Network for some 25,000 and the prescription drug benefits for the whole program
Robert Olsen claims he suffered asthma resulting from Lou Gehrig’s Disease as a result of breathing in toxic air during World Trade Center recovery efforts
At least 50 women who worked as first responders at Ground Zero and those who were nearby may receive coverage from the World Trade Center Health Program
“Together we helped fulfill our promise to never forget, and we are looking forward to keeping this going for many years to come,” said Capt. Brian Minardo
“This further shattered already broken families,” FDNY widow Janlyn Scauso said about being barred from the fund
306 active and retired FDNY members — including firefighters and EMS members — have died of 9/11-related illnesses
They retraced the footsteps of Firefighter Stephen Siller on 9/11 and honored the lives lost in the war on terrorism
In the last week, retired Firefighter Gregg Lawrence, Battalion Chief Joseph McKie and Firefighter William Hughes have died
9/11, tech growth, expanded assignments, and warp-speed changes define the decade
The former North Bergen and Jersey City Medical Center EMT was removed as a guest speaker from a Tenn. fundraiser following social media furor over his claims
Firehouses throughout the city will observe moments of silence, and bells will ring to commemorate the moment tragedy struck 21 years before
Who we were then, who we as a country are now and who we need to be
A FF/paramedic captain recounts hunkering down with victims at the Pentagon on 9/11 while expecting another attack
Even as time and distance separate us from 9/11 and memories begin to fade, the NFFF remains committed to Never Forget fallen firefighters and their families
Cebollero, Dudley and Ludwig discuss honoring the legacy of 9/11
Even as we move further from 9/11, the need for support is ongoing for those fallen firefighter families and new ones every year
Cintas Corporation employees walk and stair climb to raise awareness of and funds for NFFF
“The aim of this project is to share, with humility and grace, the family members’ journeys,” said Richard Wiesel
The museum will continue to have an online presence, including an educational toolkit for preserving the memory of Sept. 11, 2001
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Brian McDonald shares the stories of the Feehan and Davan families of firefighters, stretching over nearly 100 years of FDNY history
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Special Operations Deputy Chief Raymond Downey was an expert on building collapses and technical rescues
The Grammy winner plans to give $1 from each ticket sold for her recently announced tour to the nonprofit that supports fallen responders’ families
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