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.
Official statistics show that 343 firefighters lost their lives on that day, but there were really 344
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
For all the men and women who were killed during the 9/11 attacks, there were countless lives saved by the bravery of others
We must continue to remember and honor the 343, and encourage new members to study the sacrifices of their brother firefighters
Set aside time to watch videos and talk with new firefighters about the significance of that day on fire service history
Why technology is the key to avoiding the next 9/11 and MCI preparedness
Prosecutors say Khalid Sheikh Mohammed may not face the death penalty
Following the 9/11 Report, we have continued to struggle with command and communications
The “9/11 Notice Act” will alert workers in the area of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks of financial, healthcare benefits
Deputy Chief Richard Alles hopes to cut 5 minutes off his time in the run up 104 floors
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the World Trade Center Health Program “is facing massive cuts in just a few years.”
Bob Gear has led Benton County Fire District 1 and the Pasco Fire Department; he also responded to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11
“When we leave, each house will be in better shape,” said James Earl, a retired New York City fire lieutenant and project manager with Heart 9/11
The NYFP was primarily tasked with protecting property, but its members also saved lives alongside the FDNY’s Bravest
The measure also includes members of the military who responded to 9/11 in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, unlike the original legislation
Pfeifer will manage day-to-day operations; the retired chief is known for his work in counterterrorism and disaster preparedness
Former Firefighter Michael Weinstock, who suffers from a neurological condition, hopes to raise awareness of the healthcare needs of 9/11 emergency responders
North Haven Firefighter Matthias Wirtz “was putting everybody else above himself, just what he has done his entire life,” said Chief Paul Januszewski
Thomas D. Healy served with the department for 35 years
Matthias Wirtz, a 22-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department, received CPR before being transported to a hospital
The health program is facing a $3 billion deficit over the next decade
Greg “Mickey” Hansen joined FDNY a few months after 9/11, having searched for his sister and assisted others after the planes struck the Twin Towers
The CDC changed the contractors who run the National Provider Network for some 25,000 and the prescription drug benefits for the whole program
Robert Olsen claims he suffered asthma resulting from Lou Gehrig’s Disease as a result of breathing in toxic air during World Trade Center recovery efforts
At least 50 women who worked as first responders at Ground Zero and those who were nearby may receive coverage from the World Trade Center Health Program
“Together we helped fulfill our promise to never forget, and we are looking forward to keeping this going for many years to come,” said Capt. Brian Minardo
“This further shattered already broken families,” FDNY widow Janlyn Scauso said about being barred from the fund
306 active and retired FDNY members — including firefighters and EMS members — have died of 9/11-related illnesses
They retraced the footsteps of Firefighter Stephen Siller on 9/11 and honored the lives lost in the war on terrorism
In the last week, retired Firefighter Gregg Lawrence, Battalion Chief Joseph McKie and Firefighter William Hughes have died
9/11, tech growth, expanded assignments, and warp-speed changes define the decade
The former North Bergen and Jersey City Medical Center EMT was removed as a guest speaker from a Tenn. fundraiser following social media furor over his claims
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