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.
Participants climb or walk the equivalent of 110 stories to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters killed on September 11, 2001
343 FDNY firefighters, plus one New York fire patrolman, were killed in the terrorist attacks, along with dozens of other public safety personnel
Seeing the brave first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, showed me what I wanted to be when I grew up
Firehouses throughout the city will observe moments of silence, and bells will ring to commemorate the moment tragedy struck 21 years before
Who we were then, who we as a country are now and who we need to be
A FF/paramedic captain recounts hunkering down with victims at the Pentagon on 9/11 while expecting another attack
Even as time and distance separate us from 9/11 and memories begin to fade, the NFFF remains committed to Never Forget fallen firefighters and their families
Cebollero, Dudley and Ludwig discuss honoring the legacy of 9/11
Even as we move further from 9/11, the need for support is ongoing for those fallen firefighter families and new ones every year
Cintas Corporation employees walk and stair climb to raise awareness of and funds for NFFF
“The aim of this project is to share, with humility and grace, the family members’ journeys,” said Richard Wiesel
The museum will continue to have an online presence, including an educational toolkit for preserving the memory of Sept. 11, 2001
Brian McDonald shares the stories of the Feehan and Davan families of firefighters, stretching over nearly 100 years of FDNY history
Special Operations Deputy Chief Raymond Downey was an expert on building collapses and technical rescues
The Grammy winner plans to give $1 from each ticket sold for her recently announced tour to the nonprofit that supports fallen responders’ families
Vincent J. Mandala served for 42 years, and his passing follows the deaths of three other former members who responded to the terrorist attack
“We will never forget Firefighter Robert Reynolds, Firefighter Michael Verzi, and Supervising Fire Marshal Jack McCauley,” said UFA President Andrew Ansbro
The “Unmasking Our Heroes” exhibit and video share the stress and community support FDNY EMS personnel experienced in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Terry Shaffer is recovering, and a fundraiser to help him and his family with medical bills has surpassed $100K
Lyons helped rescue a man trapped in the rubble of 9/11 and reunited him with his pregnant wife
Erika Oelkers, whose husband, FDNY FF Thomas Oelkers, lost his battle with a 9/11-related illness, will serve as the honorary starter for this year’s climb
Leaders say the museum has been pushed to the brink by the coronavirus pandemic, which hammered tourism on the heels of a costly 2017 move
Samples from Nashville FFs helped researchers compare risks
Readers share their photos of the World Trade Center steel in their communities
Nigro’s career with the FDNY began in 1969, and he is one of only six people to have held every rank in the department
Moving to Marine Operations helped me stay engaged, process the day and build a fleet capable of protecting New York City
How the NFFF sprang into action to serve New York City firefighters – and ultimately grew its mission
The Ground Zero operation led to advances in incident management that continue to evolve for today’s complex and extreme events
Terry Shaffer’s family is raising money for the chief’s medical needs in the hopes he is able to find a successful donor
After 9/11, Dan Rowan, a 21-year FDNY veteran, moved from New York to Arizona to become a fourth-generation police officer – a change he says got him through some of his darkest days
Alvin Suriel “saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro
The Protecting America’s First Responders Act addresses general eligibility, 9/11 disability provisions, COVID-19 presumption and other benefits
9/11 is the ultimate example of firefighters who took their assignment, without question, trusting their command officers, despite the risks
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