On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY firefighters and innocent people tragically died inside the Twin Towers. This horrific event will never be forgotten, and it marks hope, resilience, and unity as a nation. Through the examination of 9/11 and the influence that it had on the United States, especially with the deaths of FDNY responders, related illnesses, and the rebuilding of the One World Trade Center, it becomes abundantly clear why 9/11 should be remembered.
On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by foreign al-Qaeda terrorists who hijacked four commercial airline planes. At approximately 8:46 a.m., five hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 11 and struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on floors 93 through 99 in
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Two minutes after the North Tower was struck, “Chief Joseph W. Pfeifer and his crew with Battalion 1 were among the first to arrive on scene (Battalion 1 was the first unit to notify the Manhattan Central Office)” (“Rescue and Recovery Effort”). Six minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, the first contingent of New York City firefighters were en route. This first contingent included two ladder and engine companies. Upon arrival, the FDNY firefighters had to take quick action (Kiger). “The initial response by the FDNY was on rescue and evacuation of building occupants, which involved sending firefighters up to assist people that were trapped in elevators and elsewhere.” Companies such as Engine 10 and Ladder 10 were among the first to arrive on the scene of the North Tower. Their firehouse was right across the street from the World Trade Centers, meaning they had quick access to the scene (“Rescue and Recovery …show more content…
More deaths are expected over the next few years. FDNY firefighters that survived 9/11 are battling illnesses due to the contaminated air at the World Trade Centers. Over 2,100 FDNY firefighters and EMS personnel have retired on disability. These illnesses include various types of lung disease or cancer. “Research has found thyroid, colon, prostate, and blood cancers more prevalent among FDNY members who served at Ground Zero than those who did not.” FDNY firefighters after 9/11 also experienced PTSD symptoms. A possible risk factor for PTSD from 9/11 was suffering an injury or intense cloud exposure. Other risk factors could include being on a high floor of the World Trade Center, working for an employer who sustained injuries, or evacuating late (The Never Forget