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.
Republicans and Democrats sounded the alarm over Kennedy’s plan to gut NIOSH, warning it could cripple the 9/11 health program that thousands of first responders and survivors rely on
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
David Childs’ design of the 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper, once known as the Freedom Tower, is the centerpiece of the redevelopment of Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks
With just $2.375 billion left to spend on 20,000 pending cases, compensation packages will have to be cut in half on all claims
A tribute to thousands of responders is taking shape in Vermont; it will be installed this spring at the national Sept. 11 memorial
Frank Sansonetti, who was on the scene at Ground Zero on 9/11, is competing against other athletes to be named a Titan
Joseph Rodriguez, 59, died of lung cancer he contracted from the hours he spent assisting in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero
The law makes firefighters, cops and emergency service officers fatally sickened by the toxic debris pile eligible for the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor
The children of Keith Young, who died of 9/11-related cancer, pitched his innovative cutting board to the Sharks, who all collaborated on a deal
Eddie Finn is going in alphabetic order and honoring one firefighter who lost their life while responding to 9/11 each day
FDNY EMT Felipe Torre , 54, succumbed to Ground Zero-related gall bladder cancer while under hospice care
A bipartisan group is asking their counterparts in Congress to permanently fund the program designed to help responders and other victims of the attacks
The national bird landed on top of a firefighters’ aerial truck parked on a highway overpass in the northern Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids
On the 17th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, agencies around the country are honoring the day with remembrance posts
Each year at ground zero, victims’ relatives infuse the ceremony with personal messages of remembrance, inspiration and concern
“As many fans as the Mets have, that’s awesome that they don’t forget the guys who passed away on 9/11,” FDNY firefighter Juan Rivera said
Over 1,000 firefighters and members of the FDNY have been diagnosed with forms of cancer, respiratory problems or other 9/11-related illnesses
Each chime generates a distinctive sound, and rows of trees that ring the site symbolize sound waves
In the years since Sept. 11, 2001, firefighters have been elevated in TV shows, movies and advertising as modern heroes
Jimmy Martinez, a World Trade Center and Hurricane Sandy first responder, died after a long battle with bone marrow cancer
The federal government has hired Optum to operate a new clinic in Manhattan for survivors of the 9/11 attacks who have enrolled in an ongoing health program
Retired White Plains Fire Department Lt. Clark Douglass, 53, was one of 60 members of his department who assisted the FDNY after the World Trade Center attacks
“I actually saw the first plane aim for the building, and I knew I was going to the largest fire of my life,” Joseph Pfeifer said
Former Utica Fire Chief Russel Brooks said he still believes he could return to duty, despite his impending mandatory retirement date in October
“I am glad that the committee heard this community’s concerns and acted to keep the World Trade Center Health Program working as is,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney said
Assistant Chief Ronald Spadafora helped lead rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, and died of toxins he was exposed to
Steven Shapiro was sentenced to 68 days in jail for fraud, dealing in stolen property, grand theft and illegal use of credit cards
The steel was donated in memory of Chicago Fire Department Capt. Herbert Johnson, who traveled to New York with other firefighters to help after the attacks
The family of Joe Battista, who died after choking at an institution, called FDNY’s refusal to grant him 9/11-related disability an “outrage”
Battalion Chief David Lachenauer lost his nearly yearlong battle with cancer just 17 days into his retirement
Sen. Terrence Murphy said the bill is meant to help responders who were sickened by their efforts at Ground Zero get the help they need
Eighteen-year FDNY veteran Keith Young made a culinary name for himself, winning several TV cooking challenges and writing his own cook book
Thomas Phelan became a firefighter two years after he helped evacuate hundreds from Manhattan as a ferry captain
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