To all first responders who are our true 9/11 heroes, thank you.

That morning, I had just put my keys on my desk when I heard the news that changed all our lives, “A plane just flew into the World Trade Center!”

We all remember where we were on September 11th, 20 years ago. At 9 AM that morning, my kids had just been dropped off at school, and I arrived at my desk about to put my keys down when someone rushed into my office, “A plane just hit the World Trade Center, what should we do?” I was speechless. How does one execute a contingency plan for a team of 200 employees, where we all worked only one block away from the heart of our own government in a 21-story building? Our instincts kicked in as my entire team and I flooded the streets, along with many other workers in the area. None of us were able to comprehend the events that took place that day, even given the luxury of being able to think for just a few short minutes to figure out an action plan.

It’s a day none of us will ever forget. The events were first spotted by many people in and around the World Trade Center, followed by many 9-1-1 calls. It was also witnessed by a Battalion Chief at FDNY from the corner of Church and Lispenard Streets, who immediately signaled a second alarm and proceeded to the World Trade Center.  The FDNY did not have the luxury to think – instead instinct and training took over for all the brave first responders who went into action to save lives. It was a long day for everyone, and the weeks that followed left us all speechless. After 20 years we know one thing for certain, and we are incredibly grateful to all first responders for what you do. You deserve a moment of thanks and know that we acknowledge you all for always having our backs.

From the bottom of our team and families’ hearts:

We are indebted to your career choice and thank you for serving and protecting us.

In our quest to bring you valuable information and share stories from the fire community, we would like to give you access to FireRescue1’s e-book “Rising From Ground Zero – Reflections on 9/11 in NYC” as told by firefighters.