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.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin called for the city to make “every single file” public after an internal memo showed officials feared toxic exposure weeks after 9/11
A battered FDNY Tower Ladder 9 was restored ahead of the 25th anniversary to honor the firefighters who never returned
The FDNY is planning a special ceremony alongside a new commemorative emblem, a Gary Sinise–hosted podcast series and a film on FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge
22 years after the terror attacks, the number of the dead related to their exposure while working in the rescue and recovery efforts equals the number killed in the collapses
The CDC partnership with the WTC Health Program raises awareness of the physical and mental effects of the attacks and the treatment
Frank Siller remembers the courage of his brother Stephen and the families the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has helped
Deaths from cancer related to the terror attacks continue to climb as do registrations with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Victims’ lawyers put on notice to have all paperwork submitted in order to speed up the application process
Communities across the country pay tribute with moments of silence, tolling bells, candlelight vigils and other activities
In the short film “Never Forgotten,” EarthCam cameras capture two decades of change at the World Trade Center site
Officials have now been able to link remains to 1,649 World Trade Center victims
Chief of Department John Hodgens shares his personal experience from the day and how the FDNY continues to honor its fallen firefighters year after year
Understanding the enormity and power of support that comes with being a part of the fire service family
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO shares his memories from Sept. 11 and beyond, plus the ongoing support for families impacted by tragedy
As 9/11 becomes a historical event to younger generations, it’s up to us to pass on the lessons learned and keep the memories of those we lost alive
The museum is honoring the anniversary of Sept. 11 with a new exhibit, “Recovery and Reflection, Celebrating the 9/11 Tribute”
The addition of 43 fire and EMS members who died of illnesses related to Sept. 11 attacks nears the number killed in the collapses
We must continue to remember and honor the 343, and encourage new members to study the sacrifices of their brother firefighters
Set aside time to watch videos and talk with new firefighters about the significance of that day on fire service history
Why technology is the key to avoiding the next 9/11 and MCI preparedness
Prosecutors say Khalid Sheikh Mohammed may not face the death penalty
Following the 9/11 Report, we have continued to struggle with command and communications
The “9/11 Notice Act” will alert workers in the area of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks of financial, healthcare benefits
Deputy Chief Richard Alles hopes to cut 5 minutes off his time in the run up 104 floors
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the World Trade Center Health Program “is facing massive cuts in just a few years.”
Bob Gear has led Benton County Fire District 1 and the Pasco Fire Department; he also responded to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11
“When we leave, each house will be in better shape,” said James Earl, a retired New York City fire lieutenant and project manager with Heart 9/11
The NYFP was primarily tasked with protecting property, but its members also saved lives alongside the FDNY’s Bravest
The measure also includes members of the military who responded to 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, unlike the original legislation
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
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