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 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
Republicans and Democrats sounded the alarm over Kennedy’s plan to gut NIOSH, warning it could cripple the 9/11 health program that thousands of first responders and survivors rely on
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
“Thank you, Dad, for saving lives, but most of all for coming home”
Ceremonies remembering the fallen are led by the children and young adults born after the terror attacks
For the nearly 3,000 victims, we owe it to their memory to ensure their stories are not forgotten
From coast to coast, these September 11 memorials stand as solemn reminders of the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit that emerged in the wake of tragedy
Shanksville Chief Terry Shaffer reflects on how his family is inextricably linked to the tragedy – and how they continue to honor the victims and the community
Years of preplanning aided the incident command of an MCI, building fire, technical rescue, hazmat, and terrorism crime scene all in one
Official statistics show that 343 firefighters lost their lives on that day, but there were really 344
Exploring the shift from reactive to preventative strategies in emergency services and the crucial role of technology and health initiatives
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue works to ensure that the next generation of firefighters understand the legacy of 9/11’s fallen firefighters
Show your gratitude to those who serve on the front lines of your community
The FDNY added the names of 32 firefighters and EMS personnel to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall
Turning turn traumatic memories into hope and action to make a difference
Books about the catastrophic 9/11 attacks and the long return to normalcy are crucial to the historical record of those we lost and how we moved forward
Chief Freddie LaFemina recalls the unimaginable scene at Ground Zero and the relentless work to find his brother firefighters
Retired FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s mission to collect and share WTC steel focuses on remembrance and education
Guidance for managing the emotions associated with the anniversaries of traumatic incidents
Honor the sacrifices and the legacy left by 9/11 responders by marking the anniversary with community service, education and self-care
From identifying your “why” to studying climb logistics, there are several factors to consider as you prepare to complete the climb in honor of fallen firefighters
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mobile exhibit brought the museum experience to the Allen County Fair
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently revoked the plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that would have spared his life
FDNY
After decades of work in the firefighter counseling space, Leto shares what he’s learned about resilience, relationships and the healing power of doing good
Responders with PPE had a dementia rate of 5-6 per 1,000, while those without PPE in high-risk activities, like searching Ground Zero, had a rate of 42.36 per 1,000, the study found
343 FDNY firefighters, plus one New York Fire patrolman, were killed in the terrorist attacks, along with dozens of other public safety personnel
The 12th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field will take place Saturday, September 7, 2024
Record-setting number of climbers raises $110,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Green Bay
Learn more about the history of events where participants honor the 343 fallen FDNY members by climbing the equivalent of 110 stories
Lawyers for 9/11 survivors were denied requests to learn what former Mayor Rudy Giuliani knew about Ground Zero toxins
Retired FDNY Firefighter Bob Beckwith thought he would just help then-President George W. Bush up onto a fire engine and nothing more
Joseph Zadroga, father of NYPD Detective James Zadroga who died of a respiratory ailment related to work at Ground Zero, was struck by an SUV
Firefighter Michael W. Daly was known for being deeply involved in his Staten Island community
