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.
Federal lawmakers are calling the move to fire 16 staff members a betrayal of those who risked their lives in the aftermath of 9/11
Dr. John Howard has yet to be reinstated as head of the WTC Health Program, as many staff remain without jobs—“a shell game,” says FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Prezant
The Health and Human Services Department has decided not to terminate Dr. John Howard amid plans to lay off two-thirds of NIOSH staff, preserving leadership of the World Trade Center Health Program
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
The 9/11 Commission said there’s a “likelihood” that Saudi-government-sponsored charities funded the attacks
FDNY firefighter Jimmy Martinez was diagnosed with cancer after the Sept. 11 attacks and has been in remission for over a year
FDNY firefighter Robert Newman is the fourth firefighter to die from a 9/11-related illness this year
Aric Tegtmeier said he was inspired by his father’s sacrifice and wanted to continue his legacy
Lt. Edith Torres was off-duty when the World Trade Center was struck, but she responded regardless
Firefighter Brian J. Masterson, 61, died of esophageal cancer; he leaves behind a wife and three children
The 1969 fire truck, a movable memorial that will participate in parades, fundraisers, school events and other occasions will raise awareness about 9/11
Inter-agency communication gaps and information hoarding stands in the way of fire prevention
Joseph “Toolie” O’Toole, 61, was surrounded by family when he died at home after a long battle with cancer
Henry Plowman, 44, responded to the plane crash at the Pentagon; he was diagnosed with cancer due to exposure from jet fuel
For some people, the condition is so debilitating that they have trouble going about daily routines
Fire Lt. John Rodriguez, 53, was involved with decontaminating rigs that were used during 9/11
The top videos of September were a mix of 9/11 tributes and education and training clips
The legislation gives victims’ families the right to sue in U.S. court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks
Ssiller, a 7-year-old lab, was named after Stephen Siller, who died during the 9/11 rescue efforts
The firefighter was dressed in his gear to honor first responders killed during 9/11
About a dozen of 343 flags were burned or damaged
The photo of the firefighter using the stair climb machine at a gym was shared over 60,000 times
Firefighters shared how witnessing 9/11 at a young age inspired them to become first responders
September 11 exposed the primitiveness of our communication systems, here’s a look at what it was like at Ground Zero and what’s being done
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the law Sunday, extending the deadline to Sept. 11, 2018
Cardinal: “When we needed them most they showed us the best, the best in humanity”
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