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.
The fund supports 137,000 people affected by toxic exposure from the attacks at the World Trade Center, as well as the plane crashes in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon
For all the men and women who were killed during the 9/11 attacks, there were countless lives saved by the bravery of others
Funding for the WTC Health Program is secured through 2027, but a federal resolution passed in December 2024 left its long-term financial future uncertain
Vincent J. Mandala served for 42 years, and his passing follows the deaths of three other former members who responded to the terrorist attack
“We will never forget Firefighter Robert Reynolds, Firefighter Michael Verzi, and Supervising Fire Marshal Jack McCauley,” said UFA President Andrew Ansbro
FDNY
The “Unmasking Our Heroes” exhibit and video share the stress and community support FDNY EMS personnel experienced in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Terry Shaffer is recovering, and a fundraiser to help him and his family with medical bills has surpassed $100K
Lyons helped rescue a man trapped in the rubble of 9/11 and reunited him with his pregnant wife
Erika Oelkers, whose husband, FDNY FF Thomas Oelkers, lost his battle with a 9/11-related illness, will serve as the honorary starter for this year’s climb
Leaders say the museum has been pushed to the brink by the coronavirus pandemic, which hammered tourism on the heels of a costly 2017 move
Samples from Nashville FFs helped researchers compare risks
Readers share their photos of the World Trade Center steel in their communities
FDNY
Nigro’s career with the FDNY began in 1969, and he is one of only six people to have held every rank in the department
Moving to Marine Operations helped me stay engaged, process the day and build a fleet capable of protecting New York City
How the NFFF sprang into action to serve New York City firefighters – and ultimately grew its mission
The Ground Zero operation led to advances in incident management that continue to evolve for today’s complex and extreme events
Terry Shaffer’s family is raising money for the chief’s medical needs in the hopes he is able to find a successful donor
After 9/11, Dan Rowan, a 21-year FDNY veteran, moved from New York to Arizona to become a fourth-generation police officer – a change he says got him through some of his darkest days
FDNY
Alvin Suriel “saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro
The Protecting America’s First Responders Act addresses general eligibility, 9/11 disability provisions, COVID-19 presumption and other benefits
9/11 is the ultimate example of firefighters who took their assignment, without question, trusting their command officers, despite the risks
Now available to stream, “Chief” tells the story of Chief William M. Feehan, “the father of the fire department”
ICs never have the fortune of hindsight and are always wishing they knew more. If they get it right, the team is responsible; if they get it wrong, the IC is responsible
FirstNet, warning systems focus of House subcommittee update
Frank Siller: The outpouring of support from the foundation’s Never Forget events related to the 20th anniversary 9/11 aided the historic payoff
FDNY
Andrew Gorumba and ‘9/11 legacies’ Jonathan Otten and Gary Watson graduate Wednesday from the FDNY Fire Academy
Port Authority Officer Will Jimeno, who was trapped in the World Trade Center rubble, shares what he has learned from his recovery post-9/11
The section of steel, about 2 feet in length and weighing about 110 pounds, had been held as evidence in New York since 2001, and the department acquired it in 2010
Siller, whose FDNY brother was killed on 9/11, walked from the Pentagon to Ground Zero through six states in six weeks to honor first responders
Chief Micky Fyock’s 1950s-era Mack Ladder Truck 16 was the only apparatus small enough to get inside the Pentagon
Joe Biden, plus former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, took part in today’s ceremony at Sept. 11 memorial plaza in New York
A new FDNY report examines how members of the World Trade Center Health Program have fared in the past 20 years
Through a series of portraits, Kate Bergen hopes to elevate the stories and recognition of the women who answered the call on that September day
