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
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
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand stated the program serves at least 132,000 Americans impacted by the deadly terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001
Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks said he has sought acknowledgement from the city that his chronic lymphocytic leukemia stems from his 9/11 response
The 5K will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which remembers those who lost their lives during the attacks and helps first responders
“The museum itself is a testament to the ability to be resilient, as Americans,” a high school senior said
The comedian joined advocates opposing a proposal they said could threaten health care treatment for 9/11 first responders
Lawmakers say the impact would be dreadful for the more than 83,000 responders and survivors who rely on the WTC Health Program
Brooks claimed his request for 9/11-related illness benefits were denied, but the judge said his request was really a proposed compromise for a separate matter
FDNY EMT Salvatore Turturici was gifted the wheelchair by the Ray Pfeifer Foundation, which specializes in helping sickened first responders
Utica fire Chief Russell Brooks will has sought to be recognized by the city for compensatory benefits due to a medical condition he says is related to 9/11
Lt. Edward McDonagh, 49, lost his three-year battle against stage 4 colon cancer
Five hours before the memorial was dedicated, Leonard went into the site by himself, saying he wanted to be along with his thoughts as he digested it
FDNY firefighters make up most of the 118 new names etched onto to the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Video footage allegedly shows Michael Wagemann ripping down two American flags that were placed around the Denton County Courthouse
Fire Chief Tom Mesler and his wife went to NYC for the 16th annual memorial service, courtesy of HRN Restoration & Construction
Participants followed the footsteps of Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on 9/11
The responders will now be eligible for unlimited paid sick leave with full salary coverage
Each of the 343 firefighters carried the name of a firefighter who lost their life responding to the terror attacks
Trump often lauds the bravery of New York police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders who rushed to the Twin Towers
A petition issued earlier this year sought at least 1,500 signatures to have a ferry named after fallen firefighter John Chipura
A separate plaque will have the names of responders who spent time in the rubble and died of causes that were suspected to be linked to toxins at the site
Retired FDNY EMT Salvatore Turturici was gifted a motorcycle after wanting to ride one since his cancer diagnosis
Deborah Greenspan allegedly awarded millions of dollars in federal contracts to her own law firms from a fund meant to help those with 9/11 related illnesses
Robert and Raymond Alexander were both first responders during the World Trade Center attacks
Michael Duffy retired from the FDNY in 2002 after 20 years with the department
Clarence Wilburn II’s disease was thought to be a result of breathing the dust, smoke and ash at Ground Zero
The Tunnels to Towers organization will use the money to build smart homes for injured service members
The museum will be farther away from the World Trade Center memorial but with triple the space
He lobbied for the renewal of the Zadroga Act, which provides health benefits to first responders who fell ill after 9/11
Twenty-five high school students visited the museum thanks to local fire, police and EMS union members
Robert “Bert” Mentrasti responded to the World Trade Center attacks as part of a technical rescue team
James “Jimmy” Lanza, 71, was diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer last year
MOST POPULAR
- Presidents, dignitaries, victims’ families mark 20-year anniversary of 9/11
- FDNY addition of names to WTC memorial totals 342
- Deadline looms for 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund registration
- ‘We stand with the FDNY’: Stagnaro reflects on the NFFF’s role after 9/11
- Police: Man accused of vandalizing NY FD’s 9/11 memorial apprehended in Calif.