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.
In the aftermath, thousands of first responders converged on the sites of destruction, climbing through mountains of smoking debris and rubble in a race to find survivors. Ultimately, 8 EMS providers and 343 firefighters died that day and countless more have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses from their time working at Ground Zero.
Read the stories of survivors, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents. To share your 9/11 story, email editor@ems1.com.
Show your gratitude to those who serve on the front lines of your community
Retired FDNY Firefighter Lee Ielpi’s mission to collect and share WTC steel focuses on remembrance and education
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 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced the names of five more first responders whose families will receive support
House adds COVID-19 infection presumption, extends benefit for 9/11-related injuries
The death of FDNY EMT Richard Seaberry, 63, is the 10th COVID-19 death to be announced within the department
FDNY EMTs John Redd, 63, and Idris Bey, 60, were department veterans and both worked on World Trade Center rescue and recovery efforts after 9/11
FDNY EMT Gregory Hodge, 59, was a 24-year veteran of the department who assisted with World Trade Center rescue and recovery efforts
Valley Stream Firefighter-EMT Mike Field, 59, died from COVID-19 complications after confirmed contact with an infected patient
Union leaders said the COVID-19 crisis has driven 911 calls up by 40% while staff is decreasing as department members test positive
In this episode, our co-hosts discuss a recent award nomination for the podcast and call out a Florida EMT for a job well done in supporting a bullied preschooler
Agencies around the country are honoring the 18th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks with remembrance posts
John Shaw’s 78-second call with United Airlines Flight 93 passenger, Edward Felt, is part of a new book titled “The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11”
Doctors who study pulmonary fibrosis are just beginning to focus on 9/11 victims as the long-term effects of exposure are emerging
A significant portion of first responders had new onset cognitive impairment years after their first initial cognitive test
For people who donate $25 or more, Charity Share Times Square will place a photo of the donor with a sign reading “I Haven’t Forgotten” on the iconic Times Square billboard
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the legislation, which is meant to ensure future generations understand the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their place in history
The American flag, raised by NYC firefighters at Ground Zero shortly after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, was discovered years later in Washington state
More than 400 first responders climbed a total of 110 flights of stairs in honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001
More than 200 FDNY members have died of 9/11-related illnesses since the 2001 terror attacks and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero
Police received a criminal mischief report and found a vandalized 9/11 stone memorial covered with spray paint
DOJ officials said the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund will take steps to notify nearly 1,700 claimants of their unreduced payments by Sept. 11 of this year
President Trump signed into law an extension of the Sept. 11 victim fund through 2092
The 97-2 vote sends the bill to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it
Sen. Rand Paul’s amendment would offset the costs of compensation by cutting other programs, including Medicaid
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer reached an agreement with Sens. Mike Lee and Rand Paul to bring up the bill with two amendments
Sen. Rand Paul questioned the bill’s 70-year time frame and said any new spending should be offset by corresponding cuts
Officials named the event after Richard Allen Pearlman, the youngest first responder who died during the attacks
The federal government will have to spend more than an estimated $10 billion by 2029 in its efforts to compensate first responders and survivors
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pledged he will act on the bill before Congress
One measure permits volunteer first responders to qualify for disability pensions when they retire
The names of late Det. Lou Alvarez and Firefighter Ray Pfeifer are being added to the new bill to restore the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Luis Alvarez assumed the spotlight to push Congress into action to aid first responders who developed life-threatening diseases from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
