Personal stories from September 11, 2001

Verizon has nearly 30 years of experience partnering with public safety agencies, and when lives are at stake, those on the front lines need a network that’s built right. That’s why we created Verizon Frontline the advanced network and technology for first responders.

About this series: There are no words, even images, that can fully capture the devastation of September 11, 2001. For those of us who were not on the scene that day, we can only imagine what it must have been like for first responders to face 16 acres of horror at Ground Zero, to see a symbol of America’s military on fire, and to descend upon a Pennsylvania field covered in pieces of an airliner. Those who did face these unimaginable scenes have graciously shared their unique insights. It is through their eyes that we reflect on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

More Less

Rising from Ground Zero: Reflections on 9/11 in New York City, 20 Years Later (eBook)

This resource details how incident command unfolded at the scene, the immediate work to support FDNY, and how the tragedy changed the survivors forever

‘The focus was the job’: 9 months working the pile

Chief Freddie LaFemina recalls the unimaginable scene at Ground Zero and the relentless work to find his brother firefighters
‘After the plane crash, just about every day was Flight 93 in one form or another’

Shanksville Chief Terry Shaffer reflects on how his family is inextricably linked to the tragedy – and how they continue to honor the victims and the community
'I didn’t begin my career thinking about terrorism': Running command at the Pentagon

Years of preplanning aided the incident command of an MCI, building fire, technical rescue, hazmat, and terrorism crime scene all in one

Sort by:

Responding to an MCI of 9/11’s proportions, with today’s limitations
–

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
Capturing strength: Paramedic Kate Bergen honors the women of 9/11
–

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
Light through the darkness: Lessons from a 9/11 survivor
–

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
On display: The WTC steel that honors the fallen around the world
–

Readers share their photos of the World Trade Center steel in their communities
NYC Fire Museum exhibit to honor 9/11 first responders
–

“The aim of this project is to share, with humility and grace, the family members’ journeys," said Richard Wiesel
'It wasn't the same after 9/11': How becoming a cop saved an FDNY firefighter's life
–

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
‘I needed to make a difference’: A new calling, post-9/11
–

Moving to Marine Operations helped me stay engaged, process the day and build a fleet capable of protecting New York City
‘We needed to do more’: The evolution of support in the aftermath of tragedy
–

How the NFFF sprang into action to serve New York City firefighters – and ultimately grew its mission
‘A command structure was emerging from the rubble’: Incident command on 9/11 and beyond
–

The Ground Zero operation led to advances in incident management that continue to evolve for today’s complex and extreme events
The ‘Never Forget Walk’: Honoring my brother’s final journey – and all our fallen heroes
–

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
A ‘commitment to remember’: How our monthly stair climbs evolved into an essential event to honor the 343
–

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
From the darkest days at Ground Zero emerge signs of honor, hope, resilience
–

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
Former Commissioner Sal Cassano reflects on the arduous role of redesigning FDNY post-9/11
–

The chief shares his personal 9/11 story, plus the measures employed to reduce LODDs and the support systems that helped in the aftermath
The story of the steel: WTC steel, now found around the world, helps tell the story of 9/11
–

Retired FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s mission to collect and share WTC steel focuses on remembrance and education
Public safety leaders reflect on the 20th anniversary of 9/11
–

Podcast hosts Marc Bashoor, Rob Lawrence, Chris Cebollero and Jim Dudley address how 9/11 affected all facets of public safety
Load More