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.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted it was a mistake to cut staff from the World Trade Center Health Program but stopped short of promising to fully restore staffing
Nearly all of the 16 federal workers cut from the 9/11 health program have been rehired after intense criticism forced the Trump administration to reverse course on controversial cuts
Patrick Gordiski recently retired from the Greenwich Fire Department
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
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
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