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.
Seeing the brave first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, showed me what I wanted to be when I grew up
Among the recipients of the mortgage payouts are the families of NYC DOC Capt. Gennaro “Jerry” Cariello, CO Jonathan Latta, and FDNY Firefighter Robert Welsh III
Three of the FDNY’s leading responders on Sept. 11, 2001, reflect on how 9/11 impacted EMS and beyond
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will provide an opening ceremony video, printable honor badges and a digital bell for this year’s event
A letter to members stated that the department’s commitment to remembering the fallen must be balanced with health and safety
Gabriel “Gabe” Aboyoun responded to Ground Zero in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001 and was cited for bravery on several occasions, city officials said
Police say Andre Narbonne, 40, severed the flagpole at the memorial for five firefighters from Washingtonville who died on 9/11, as well as two other flagpoles
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced crews setting up the Tribute in Light will be supervised by health officials following a previous announcement that the tribute would be canceled due to COVID-19
Valley Stream Firefighter-EMT Mike Field, a past FDNY member and 9/11 responder, will be honored with a memorial bridge on Long Island
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation plans to host a 140-person, in-person reading near Ground Zero on Sept. 11
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation says it will hold an in-person, socially distanced event with families after the 9/11 Memorial and Museum switched to pre-recorded readings
One study led by Stony Brook University researchers found that the brain “age” of some World Trade Center responders is 10 years older on average than the general population
Hackensack Firefighter Rich Kubler, 53, died from stage 4 liver cancer on Saturday after more than 20 years of service
Supporters have staged overnight vigils and offered to install surveillance cameras at the shrine to five firefighters who lost their lives at the World Trade Center
The memorial honors five Washingtonville firefighters who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced the names of five more first responders whose families will receive support
The eight annual stair climb, co-sponsored by Pierce and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, will be held as a virtual fundraiser for the NFFF due to COVID-19
FDNY
Several firefighters starring in Pete Davidson’s film “The King of Staten Island” had worked with Davidson’s father, Firefighter Scott Davidson, who was killed on 9/11
Valley Stream Firefighter-EMT Mike Field, 59, died from COVID-19 complications after confirmed contact with an infected patient
Retired FDNY Battalion Chief Albert “Al” Petrocelli, 73, died early Wednesday
Union leaders said the COVID-19 crisis has driven 911 calls up by 40% while staff is decreasing as department members test positive
Retired FDNY Fire Marshal John Knox, 84, had been suffering from 9/11-related illness
FDNY Firefighter Daniel Foley had searched for the body of his brother, FDNY Firefighter Thomas Foley, for 11 days after the terrorist attacks
Retired FDNY Firefighters Paul Deo Jr. and Richard Jones both died on Friday, according to Commissioner Daniel Nigro
The foundation reported the deaths of two retired FDNY firefighters last week, raising the toll to 200
Susan Leonard-Lewis, 61, was arrested Sept. 11 for allegedly stealing more than $72,000 from the group’s 9/11 Memorial Fund
The Fire Pension Fund argued that Joe Daly’s cancers were caused by chronic alcohol drinking
A total of 21 legacy children of fallen first responders graduated from the academy
Patrick Mataraza, an FDNY lieutenant, president of PBFD and friend of the family, said the word resilient best described Richard “Ricky” Tanagretta
The seventh annual 9/11 Memorial Stair climb raised over $115,000, with all proceeds going to the NFFF
NYPD detective Joe Paolillo succumbed last week at age 55 to a rare form of cancer