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.
From coast to coast, these September 11 memorials stand as solemn reminders of the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit that emerged in the wake of tragedy
For all the men and women who were killed during the 9/11 attacks, there were countless lives saved by the bravery of others
Participants climb or walk the equivalent of 110 stories to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters killed on September 11, 2001
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
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
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
The money would shore up the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program, which was permanently extended, along with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial named Sgt. Sivad Johnson one of four finalists for its inaugural Flight 93 Heroes Award
While some had been leaning towards a career in public service, watching the heroics of the first responders on television solidified their decision for the fire service
“At the beginning, there was no rhyme or reason or plan. The only thing on everyone’s mind was getting survivors out of the debris”
Catholic chaplain Mychal Judge was killed as he prayed with rescuers in the World Trade Center North Tower
Even after FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s son was recovered from the World Trade Center rubble, he kept searching – and embarked on a mission to educate
Podcast hosts Marc Bashoor, Rob Lawrence, Chris Cebollero and Jim Dudley address how 9/11 affected all facets of public safety
We are thankful that the 9/11 stair climb events serve as a vehicle for firefighters across the country to gather and remember their fallen brothers
Along the 500-mile trek from the Pentagon to Shanksville to New York City, I share Stephen’s story and the Tunnel to Towers message
Even two decades later, weight loss and treating excess fat in the blood stream may reduce responders’ chance of developing lung disease
We must not only “never forget” those who died, but also never forget to stay safe, plan for the worst and to make swift decisions despite challenging parameters
The World Trade Center Health Program report details the health impacts faced by the 15,000+ FDNY first responders who worked at Ground Zero
The chief shares his personal 9/11 story, plus the measures employed to reduce LODDs and the support systems that helped in the aftermath
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