20 YEAR DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

In less than two hours 2,795 people were killed in all the attacks on the United States. Out of that number, 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers, 343 New York City firefighters were killed. Consider the fact that approximately 50,000 people work and are frequently in the area around the Trade Center. This a great testament in part to the New York Fire Department, New York Police Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police, for the countless rescues that were made to help reduce the number of deaths that occurred. At 10:30 a.m. while watching this all unfold at home on TV, I turned to my wife, kissed her and said “I got to go.” She hugged me and said, “I love you, be careful.” I left my home and drove to the fire house, met up with about 150 of my off duty brothers from the Newark, New Jersey Fire Department to volunteer our efforts. We were directed to the military terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey, to board a boat that would take us across the New York Harbor to the lower tip of Manhattan. As we boarded the boat, I remember loud voices and guys all charged up, ready to take on whatever was thrown at them. As the boat got closer to Manhattan the voices subsided. The only thing you could hear was the engines of the boat. The magnitude of this attack became very clear. Many tall buildings ablaze, large clouds of black smoke taking up what seemed to be the entire lower third of Manhattan. While getting off boat 7, the World Trade Center collapsed, hurling dust and debris in our direction. We worked our way up to Liberty and West streets, a place I had been too many times, and I could not identify where I was. Looking over my left shoulder, there it was — what was left of it. The Twin Towers, two buildings that each stood 110 stories, reduced to two piles no higher than three stories. At my feet just in front of me were the steel steps from the observation deck from the 110th floor. I remember looking around, overwhelmed at 50 and 40 story buildings on fire, thick acrid smoke, and choking dust blowing all over. I could not at this moment believe I was in America. Like the song goes, “over there, over there.” Well I’m standing right here, that’s not the case anymore. Police officers and firefighters are now put on the front lines. This was the worst death and destruction I had ever seen. However, this was a place where I saw great humanity. Hundreds of volunteers, police officers, firefighters, iron workers, construction workers, doctors, nurses, and people from all walks of life showing up to lend a hand. I remember a man who was carrying a spray bottle of water and towels. He came up to me and washed the dust off my face and moved on to the next person never saying a word. There were people showing up with food and water. Why did they do this? Because we are Each Other’s Keeper.

Captain Ed Griffith Newark New Jersey Fire Department Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, and Board of Director

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

I was on-duty in Rosebud, Texas, that day working for Falls County EMS as a paramedic. My partner and I just happened to turn the television on right after the first plane hit. Interesting day for us, to say the least, not knowing what was to come for the rest of the country or what kind of situations we might face here in Texas. It will be a day I’ll never forget. God Bless the fallen as well as their families, the ones that survived, and the ones still suffering from severe health problems from working at Ground Zero.

Engineer / Paramedic Cody Newman City of Harker Heights Fire Department.

I had just gotten up and my phone rang. It was the guys from the Airport Firehouse where I worked, telling me I better turn on my TV. As I did I saw the smoke and flames of the first tower and then a few minutes later I saw the second plane go nearly through the second tower and knew for sure this was no accident. As I sat on my couch, I forced back tears and said a prayer for all those people in the towers and the planes. This was something like the assassination of President Kennedy and the landing on the Moon that unites everyone and I will Never Forget.

Picture provided by Michael Kamszik.

Jim Snyder Denver Fire Department

I was also on the executive board for our local in a meeting that morning. The TV was on and we watched as the horror unfolded. At that time, was also a member of our local EAP (Employees Assistance Program). When our union president saw what was happening he immediately reached out to our EAP Director. FEMA at the same time was assembling Employees Assistance teams from all over the country to send to New York to assist with the mental heath needs of the New York firefighters. A six-member team from Providence, along with members from East Providence and North Providence, was dispatched on September 14 and worked at Ground Zero assisting the New York firefighters who were gallantly trying to save their fallen brothers and sisters. We worked for six days on different shifts, then switched out for other members from other departments. It was one of the saddest and yet most fulfilling things I have done as a 32-year veteran of our great fire department. I will never forget that day and the members that took the time out of their lives to join me in helping the FDNY.

Captain Anthony Lancellotti Providence Firefighters Local 799 EAP Director Providence, Rhode Island Representative

Picture provided by: Anthony Lancellotti.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

On September 11, 2001, I was living in New Paltz, New York, and working for the Bridgeport Connecticut Fire Department. I had plans to go mountain biking that morning with my neighbor, and had set my television as an alarm clock, which woke me at 8:45 am. I awoke to the news report that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and moments later witnessed the coverage of the second plane hitting the South Tower. I ran over to my neighbor’s and informed him of the events, and together we witnessed the news unfolding for the remainder of that day. The next morning, I reported to work at the Bridgeport Fire Department and started a 36-hour tour. When the tour ended on September 13, I immediately got in my car with my gear and drove to Ground Zero. By then New York City was strangely and eerily desolate. I was the only car on FDR Drive, and when I arrived at the Brooklyn Bridge, there was a man flagging me down. He was an FBI Agent and he needed a ride to Brooklyn, so I got on the Brooklyn Bridge, driving in the wrong direction. This was the most direct route, and I was the only one on the road anyway. After dropping him off, I turned around, returned to Manhattan, and parked my car in one of the best spots at NYC City Hall, probably the Mayor’s parking spot. I donned my turnout gear and walked over to Ground Zero where a NYPD officer looked at and said, “Well you look like a firefighter.” I smiled and nodded my head and joined a work party at what was the South Tower. Almost immediately, a collapse alarm was sounding. I realized it was more dangerous to run, so I stood still hoping I would remain safe. Fortunately it was a false alarm and the remainder of the evening was uneventful. I worked there late into the night on the search and rescue effort with members of the FDNY. I returned on September 17 to help in the efforts, but unfortunately it was becoming a recovery effort by that time. I worked a number of hours before leaving. The FDNY had organized its work forces, and volunteers were no longer needed. I’ve returned for ceremonies, and the memories are still vivid.

Michael Kamszik Bridgeport Area Representative Bridgeport Fire Dept. (CT)

9/11-related illnesses

More than 80,000 responders — including police, fire, and volunteers — have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most have reported respiratory and digestive conditions. I will never forget how incredible our country was able to unify following these attacks. The amount of distress this put on our nation really brought out the good in people and made them come together for America.

Picture provided by Michael Kamszik.