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 Uniformed Firefighters Association stated that the two members had served at Ground Zero
City attorneys are trying to have a FOIA case dismissed as survivors and victims’ families demand that air quality studies be released
The decision reinstates plea deals for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two others involved in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, sparing them the death penalty
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
FirstNet was set up to alleviate responder communication problems revealed by 9/11; here’s a look at where that program is 15 years on
Much has changed in the fire service as a result of 9/11, here’s a look at what we learned and failed to act on, and those things we simply didn’t learn
Much has changed in the fire service as a result of 9/11, here’s a look at what we learned and failed to act on, and those things we simply didn’t learn
When we say, “Never forget,” we need to remember, and live the too-soon-forgotten aftereffects of the Sept. 11 attacks
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