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.
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
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
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”
Obama has threatened to veto the bill over potential backlash from the U.S. ally
Over 5,400 cases of cancer have been linked to the chemicals and dust at Ground Zero
Retired firefighter Lt. Joe Torillo was buried twice during the 9/11 attacks
The flag was turned in two years ago by an as-yet-unidentified man at a firehouse after being reported missing for nearly a decade
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