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.
South Lockport Fire Company flags 9/11-linked cancer risks, providing coverage and stressing screening and decontamination to curb PFAS and smoke exposure
Ahead of the attacks’ 24th anniversary, the department engraved 39 newly fallen members, bringing post-9/11 illness losses to more than 400
Honor the sacrifices and the legacy left by 9/11 responders by marking the anniversary with community service, education and self-care
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
Now available to stream, “Chief” tells the story of Chief William M. Feehan, “the father of the fire department”
ICs never have the fortune of hindsight and are always wishing they knew more. If they get it right, the team is responsible; if they get it wrong, the IC is responsible
FirstNet, warning systems focus of House subcommittee update
Frank Siller: The outpouring of support from the foundation’s Never Forget events related to the 20th anniversary 9/11 aided the historic payoff
Andrew Gorumba and ‘9/11 legacies’ Jonathan Otten and Gary Watson graduate Wednesday from the FDNY Fire Academy
Port Authority Officer Will Jimeno, who was trapped in the World Trade Center rubble, shares what he has learned from his recovery post-9/11
The section of steel, about 2 feet in length and weighing about 110 pounds, had been held as evidence in New York since 2001, and the department acquired it in 2010
Siller, whose FDNY brother was killed on 9/11, walked from the Pentagon to Ground Zero through six states in six weeks to honor first responders
Chief Micky Fyock’s 1950s-era Mack Ladder Truck 16 was the only apparatus small enough to get inside the Pentagon
Joe Biden, plus former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, took part in today’s ceremony at Sept. 11 memorial plaza in New York
A new FDNY report examines how members of the World Trade Center Health Program have fared in the past 20 years
Through a series of portraits, Kate Bergen hopes to elevate the stories and recognition of the women who answered the call on that September day
The money would shore up the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program, which was permanently extended, along with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial named Sgt. Sivad Johnson one of four finalists for its inaugural Flight 93 Heroes Award
While some had been leaning towards a career in public service, watching the heroics of the first responders on television solidified their decision for the fire service
“At the beginning, there was no rhyme or reason or plan. The only thing on everyone’s mind was getting survivors out of the debris”
Catholic chaplain Mychal Judge was killed as he prayed with rescuers in the World Trade Center North Tower
Even after FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s son was recovered from the World Trade Center rubble, he kept searching – and embarked on a mission to educate
Podcast hosts Marc Bashoor, Rob Lawrence, Chris Cebollero and Jim Dudley address how 9/11 affected all facets of public safety
We are thankful that the 9/11 stair climb events serve as a vehicle for firefighters across the country to gather and remember their fallen brothers
Along the 500-mile trek from the Pentagon to Shanksville to New York City, I share Stephen’s story and the Tunnel to Towers message
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