Recalling the heroism of FDNY firefighters at ground zero on 9/11 | 60 Minutes Archive

In the neighborhoods of New York, there In the neighborhoods of New York, there are 217 are 217 are 217 firehouses. Each holds a memorial to firehouses. Each holds a memorial to firehouses. Each holds a memorial to firefighters who answered the call 20 firefighters who answered the call 20 firefighters who answered the call 20 years ago and never returned. years ago and never returned. years ago and never returned. 343 343 343 members of the fire department of the members of the fire department of the members of the fire department of the city of New York perished on 911 in the city of New York perished on 911 in the city of New York perished on 911 in the greatest act of gallantry ever bestowed greatest act of gallantry ever bestowed greatest act of gallantry ever bestowed on an American city. This is their on an American city. This is their on an American city. This is their story. story. story. This plane raced past us along the This plane raced past us along the This plane raced past us along the Hudson River at such a low altitude. I Hudson River at such a low altitude. I Hudson River at such a low altitude. I could read American on the fuselage. could read American on the fuselage. could read American on the fuselage. At 8:46 that morning, Battalion Chief At 8:46 that morning, Battalion Chief At 8:46 that morning, Battalion Chief Joe Feifer was blocks away searching for Joe Feifer was blocks away searching for Joe Feifer was blocks away searching for a routine gas leak. I saw the plane aim I saw the plane aim and crash into the north tower of the and crash into the north tower of the and crash into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

From that moment, the firefighters of From that moment, the firefighters of the FDNY would have about an hour and a the FDNY would have about an hour and a the FDNY would have about an hour and a half to save 17,000 lives. half to save 17,000 lives. half to save 17,000 lives. >> They knew that they might not come home, >> They knew that they might not come home, >> They knew that they might not come home, but they knew there were people trapped. but they knew there were people trapped. but they knew there were people trapped. That's our job. That's our job. That's our job. >> There's no way we were going to stand >> There's no way we were going to stand >> There's no way we were going to stand back and say, "We're not going in." That back and say, "We're not going in." That back and say, "We're not going in." That wouldn't be the day in Hawaii. Our aim wouldn't be the day in Hawaii. Our aim wouldn't be the day in Hawaii. Our aim was to get above that fire and get those was to get above that fire and get those was to get above that fire and get those poor people out that were calling us. poor people out that were calling us. poor people out that were calling us. >> We're on the floor and we can't breathe >> We're on the floor and we can't breathe >> We're on the floor and we can't breathe >> and it's very very very hot. >> and it's very very very hot. >> and it's very very very hot. >> And all the dispatcher could say is um >> And all the dispatcher could say is um >> And all the dispatcher could say is um we're coming for you. So we're coming for you. So we're coming for you. So we like to keep our promises. You know, we like to keep our promises. You know, we like to keep our promises. You know, we told them we're coming. we told them we're coming. we told them we're coming. >> We're coming. >> We're coming. >> We're coming. >> Go to trade center. >> Go to trade center. >> Go to trade center. >> Joe Feifer was coming with a camera. >> Joe Feifer was coming with a camera. >> Joe Feifer was coming with a camera. Filmmakers Jules and Gideon Node were Filmmakers Jules and Gideon Node were Filmmakers Jules and Gideon Node were making a documentary about the FDNY. making a documentary about the FDNY. making a documentary about the FDNY. >> Oh my god. We have a number of floors on >> Oh my god. We have a number of floors on >> Oh my god. We have a number of floors on fire. It looked like the plane was fire. It looked like the plane was fire. It looked like the plane was aiming towards the building. [cheering] aiming towards the building. [cheering] aiming towards the building. [cheering] >> Engine 69.

>> Engine 69. >> Engine 69. >> Engine six. >> Engine six. >> Engine six. >> The World Trade Center said that tower >> The World Trade Center said that tower >> The World Trade Center said that tower number one is on fire. number one is on fire. number one is on fire. >> Engine 10. World Trade Center 1060. Send >> Engine 10. World Trade Center 1060. Send >> Engine 10. World Trade Center 1060. Send every available ambulance, everything every available ambulance, everything every available ambulance, everything you got to world transfer now. you got to world transfer now. you got to world transfer now. >> Dispatch launched an armada. >> Dispatch launched an armada. >> Dispatch launched an armada. >> Engine 211. Ladder 11. Engine 44. Engine >> Engine 211. Ladder 11. Engine 44. Engine >> Engine 211. Ladder 11. Engine 44. Engine 22. Engine 53. 22. Engine 53. 22. Engine 53. >> 121 engines, 62 ladder companies, 100 >> 121 engines, 62 ladder companies, 100 >> 121 engines, 62 ladder companies, 100 ambulances, ambulances, ambulances, 750 750 750 members of the FDNY. members of the FDNY. members of the FDNY. >> Attention. 68 engine, 35 engine, 50 >> Attention. 68 engine, 35 engine, 50 >> Attention. 68 engine, 35 engine, 50 engine, 64 engine, 94 engine, 83 engine. engine, 64 engine, 94 engine, 83 engine. engine, 64 engine, 94 engine, 83 engine. >> At FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn, >> At FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn, >> At FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn, 54year-old Chief of Department Peter 54year-old Chief of Department Peter 54year-old Chief of Department Peter Dansancy Jr. raced to his car. He was Dansancy Jr. raced to his car. He was Dansancy Jr. raced to his car. He was the boss leading the second largest fire the boss leading the second largest fire the boss leading the second largest fire department in the world after Tokyo. Dan department in the world after Tokyo. Dan department in the world after Tokyo. Dan Nigro was his number two.

Nigro was his number two. Nigro was his number two. So, we went downstairs quickly, got in So, we went downstairs quickly, got in So, we went downstairs quickly, got in the car, and headed over the Brooklyn the car, and headed over the Brooklyn the car, and headed over the Brooklyn Bridge where we could see the damage, Bridge where we could see the damage, Bridge where we could see the damage, see the smoke, see the fire. That's when see the smoke, see the fire. That's when see the smoke, see the fire. That's when I said to Pete, "Uh, Pete, this will be I said to Pete, "Uh, Pete, this will be I said to Pete, "Uh, Pete, this will be the worst day of our lives." And the worst day of our lives." And the worst day of our lives." And you know, that was before I knew the you know, that was before I knew the you know, that was before I knew the half of it. half of it. half of it. >> Car Manhattan. Okay. >> Car Manhattan. Okay. >> Car Manhattan. Okay. >> Pete Gansy's voice was recorded in >> Pete Gansy's voice was recorded in >> Pete Gansy's voice was recorded in route. route. route. >> Transmit a fifth alarm for this box. Get >> Transmit a fifth alarm for this box. Get >> Transmit a fifth alarm for this box. Get us a staging area us a staging area us a staging area somewhere on West Street. Okay. A box is somewhere on West Street. Okay. A box is somewhere on West Street. Okay. A box is a location. K signals the end of a a location. K signals the end of a a location. K signals the end of a message. A throwback to the 19th century message. A throwback to the 19th century message. A throwback to the 19th century telegraph, which on this day was telegraph, which on this day was telegraph, which on this day was punctuating the greatest crisis in the punctuating the greatest crisis in the punctuating the greatest crisis in the department's 136 years. department's 136 years. department's 136 years. >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> Right away, I got a deep sense that uh >> Right away, I got a deep sense that uh >> Right away, I got a deep sense that uh we were going to lose a lot of we were going to lose a lot of we were going to lose a lot of firefighters this day. Division 1 firefighters this day. Division 1 firefighters this day. Division 1 Commander Peter Hayden met Battalion Commander Peter Hayden met Battalion Commander Peter Hayden met Battalion Chief Joe Feifer in the lobby of the Chief Joe Feifer in the lobby of the Chief Joe Feifer in the lobby of the burning tower. burning tower. burning tower. >> Well, I knew that we weren't going to be >> Well, I knew that we weren't going to be >> Well, I knew that we weren't going to be able to put out the fire. So, the order able to put out the fire. So, the order able to put out the fire. So, the order of the day was to search and evacuate as of the day was to search and evacuate as of the day was to search and evacuate as many people as we could. Uh, and that we many people as we could. Uh, and that we many people as we could. Uh, and that we were going to back away.

were going to back away. were going to back away. >> The fire was 93 floors above. Elevators >> The fire was 93 floors above. Elevators >> The fire was 93 floors above. Elevators were out, so firefighters climbed tight were out, so firefighters climbed tight were out, so firefighters climbed tight stairwells shouldering 75 pounds and stairwells shouldering 75 pounds and stairwells shouldering 75 pounds and more. more. more. >> And I thought we would have enough time >> And I thought we would have enough time >> And I thought we would have enough time to get the people out. And uh everybody to get the people out. And uh everybody to get the people out. And uh everybody that was above the impact of the plane that was above the impact of the plane that was above the impact of the plane um we were pretty much sure were uh um we were pretty much sure were uh um we were pretty much sure were uh either dead already or going to die. either dead already or going to die. either dead already or going to die. There was a lot of people jumping out There was a lot of people jumping out There was a lot of people jumping out already. already. already. >> 1,355 >> 1,355 >> 1,355 people were trapped above the fire. The people were trapped above the fire. The people were trapped above the fire. The Boeing 767 had severed all three Boeing 767 had severed all three Boeing 767 had severed all three stairwells, leaving one way out. stairwells, leaving one way out. stairwells, leaving one way out. >> Jumpers. >> Jumpers. >> Jumpers. >> All right, division one, be advised. >> All right, division one, be advised. >> All right, division one, be advised. Battalion 2, advised you have jumpers Battalion 2, advised you have jumpers Battalion 2, advised you have jumpers from the World Trade Center. from the World Trade Center. from the World Trade Center. >> We heard a loud thud and I knew that was >> We heard a loud thud and I knew that was >> We heard a loud thud and I knew that was somebody that either fell or jumped from somebody that either fell or jumped from somebody that either fell or jumped from the building. The first firefighter the building. The first firefighter the building. The first firefighter killed was hit by a fellow human being.

killed was hit by a fellow human being. killed was hit by a fellow human being. >> It was happening so rapidly that I >> It was happening so rapidly that I >> It was happening so rapidly that I grabbed the the PA system at the fire grabbed the the PA system at the fire grabbed the the PA system at the fire command post and I said, "The command post and I said, "The command post and I said, "The firefighters are coming. If you can hold firefighters are coming. If you can hold firefighters are coming. If you can hold on, on, on, >> it's something that's going to haunt us >> it's something that's going to haunt us >> it's something that's going to haunt us probably for the rest of our lives." probably for the rest of our lives." probably for the rest of our lives." Tour Commander Sal Casano had arrived Tour Commander Sal Casano had arrived Tour Commander Sal Casano had arrived precisely 17 minutes after the North precisely 17 minutes after the North precisely 17 minutes after the North Tower was hit. Tower was hit. Tower was hit. >> Just as I got out of my car, I heard >> Just as I got out of my car, I heard >> Just as I got out of my car, I heard another explosion. another explosion. another explosion. >> And I can tell you exactly what time it >> And I can tell you exactly what time it >> And I can tell you exactly what time it was. It was 9:03 cuz that was the plane was. It was 9:03 cuz that was the plane was. It was 9:03 cuz that was the plane that hit the south tower. >> You have a second plane into the other >> You have a second plane into the other major engine. engine. The no plane hits the second tower. The no plane hits the second tower. The no plane hits the second tower. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> The second 767 exploded into floors 77 >> The second 767 exploded into floors 77 >> The second 767 exploded into floors 77 through 85. Now 2,000 people were through 85. Now 2,000 people were through 85. Now 2,000 people were trapped a/4 mile high. Casano ran into trapped a/4 mile high. Casano ran into trapped a/4 mile high. Casano ran into the department chaplain, Michael Judge.

the department chaplain, Michael Judge. the department chaplain, Michael Judge. >> And I just told him, u >> And I just told him, u >> And I just told him, u father, we're going to be for a bad day. father, we're going to be for a bad day. father, we're going to be for a bad day. You're going to need a lot more chaplain You're going to need a lot more chaplain You're going to need a lot more chaplain here. you know, the more and more here. you know, the more and more here. you know, the more and more firefighters, they kept coming in and firefighters, they kept coming in and firefighters, they kept coming in and they took their assignments with no they took their assignments with no they took their assignments with no question. Yeah. question. Yeah. question. Yeah. Pretty tough to do. Pretty tough to do. Pretty tough to do. >> But it's also hard to give them those >> But it's also hard to give them those >> But it's also hard to give them those assignments. assignments. assignments. >> It was. Yeah, it was. But um, you know, >> It was. Yeah, it was. But um, you know, >> It was. Yeah, it was. But um, you know, but I could tell when I gave the but I could tell when I gave the but I could tell when I gave the assignments out, you know, I could see assignments out, you know, I could see assignments out, you know, I could see the look look in their eyes. I remember the look look in their eyes. I remember the look look in their eyes. I remember seeing firefighters hugging each other seeing firefighters hugging each other seeing firefighters hugging each other and and and heading up. and and and heading up. and and and heading up. How many firefighters did you see that How many firefighters did you see that How many firefighters did you see that day refused to go up the stairs? day refused to go up the stairs? day refused to go up the stairs? >> Nobody refused to go in. >> Nobody refused to go in. >> Nobody refused to go in. >> Stay together. I didn't know what's >> Stay together. I didn't know what's >> Stay together. I didn't know what's going on. going on. going on. >> I could remember one lieutenant from >> I could remember one lieutenant from >> I could remember one lieutenant from Engine 33 coming up to me and not saying Engine 33 coming up to me and not saying Engine 33 coming up to me and not saying a word. a word. a word. And we stood there wondering if we were And we stood there wondering if we were And we stood there wondering if we were both going to be okay. both going to be okay. both going to be okay. And that lieutenant was my brother And that lieutenant was my brother And that lieutenant was my brother Kevin.

Kevin. Kevin. And then I told him what what I told And then I told him what what I told And then I told him what what I told many of the other fire officers. many of the other fire officers. many of the other fire officers. I said, "Go up to the 70th floor." I said, "Go up to the 70th floor." I said, "Go up to the 70th floor." 70 they hoped could be a staging area in 70 they hoped could be a staging area in 70 they hoped could be a staging area in the north tower. In less than half an the north tower. In less than half an the north tower. In less than half an hour, the FDNY had rescue operations in hour, the FDNY had rescue operations in hour, the FDNY had rescue operations in the North Tower, the South Tower, and the North Tower, the South Tower, and the North Tower, the South Tower, and the nearly sold out 800 room hotel the nearly sold out 800 room hotel the nearly sold out 800 room hotel between them. between them. between them. >> From the time the first plane hit the >> From the time the first plane hit the >> From the time the first plane hit the North Tower until the second the tower North Tower until the second the tower North Tower until the second the tower collapsed was 102 minutes. collapsed was 102 minutes. collapsed was 102 minutes. The things that were going through The things that were going through The things that were going through Pete's mind in just 102 minutes. It's Pete's mind in just 102 minutes. It's Pete's mind in just 102 minutes. It's just mindboggling. just mindboggling. just mindboggling. Sal Casano was with Chief of Department Sal Casano was with Chief of Department Sal Casano was with Chief of Department Pete Gansy at his command post on the Pete Gansy at his command post on the Pete Gansy at his command post on the street below the towers. This is the street below the towers. This is the street below the towers. This is the only known picture of Gansy that day. only known picture of Gansy that day. only known picture of Gansy that day. Was Gansy the kind of boss that you did Was Gansy the kind of boss that you did Was Gansy the kind of boss that you did things for because you feared him or things for because you feared him or things for because you feared him or because you desperately did not want to because you desperately did not want to because you desperately did not want to let him down?

let him down? let him down? >> You did it because you loved him. >> You did it because you loved him. >> You did it because you loved him. >> Gansy joined the FDNY in 1968. >> Gansy joined the FDNY in 1968. >> Gansy joined the FDNY in 1968. What kind of man was Peter Dansancy? you know, Pete, uh, I guess people would you know, Pete, uh, I guess people would say he's my alter ego. Had say he's my alter ego. Had say he's my alter ego. Had chest full of medals. And he was just a chest full of medals. And he was just a chest full of medals. And he was just a a downto-earth, honest, hardworking guy. a downto-earth, honest, hardworking guy. a downto-earth, honest, hardworking guy. You know, he's a paratrooper in the You know, he's a paratrooper in the You know, he's a paratrooper in the army. Worked his way up to be chief of army. Worked his way up to be chief of army. Worked his way up to be chief of department in the FDNY. Quite a story. a department in the FDNY. Quite a story. a department in the FDNY. Quite a story. a story of courage over his 33-year story of courage over his 33-year story of courage over his 33-year career. He won the department's medal of career. He won the department's medal of career. He won the department's medal of valor, crawling into a burning apartment valor, crawling into a burning apartment valor, crawling into a burning apartment on his hands and knees, on his hands and knees, on his hands and knees, grabbing a child who was certainly going grabbing a child who was certainly going grabbing a child who was certainly going to die and dragging that child out and to die and dragging that child out and to die and dragging that child out and saving her life. saving her life. saving her life. >> That's the kind of person Pete was. He >> That's the kind of person Pete was. He >> That's the kind of person Pete was. He would put people before himself without would put people before himself without would put people before himself without a doubt. He put his firefighters before a doubt. He put his firefighters before a doubt. He put his firefighters before himself 3 months before 9/11. Gansy, the himself 3 months before 9/11. Gansy, the himself 3 months before 9/11. Gansy, the chief of department, responded from home chief of department, responded from home chief of department, responded from home to a call of firefighters trapped in a to a call of firefighters trapped in a to a call of firefighters trapped in a burning store. He went in wearing shorts burning store. He went in wearing shorts burning store. He went in wearing shorts and boat shoes. He once said his 11,000 and boat shoes. He once said his 11,000 and boat shoes. He once said his 11,000 firefighters were his children. On that firefighters were his children. On that firefighters were his children. On that day in Queens, he lost three. Get the day in Queens, he lost three. Get the day in Queens, he lost three. Get the shot. Mother shot. Mother shot. Mother >> on 911. The man responsible for

>> on 911. The man responsible for >> on 911. The man responsible for firefighter safety was Chief Al Tur who firefighter safety was Chief Al Tur who firefighter safety was Chief Al Tur who was tormented by the passing minutes. was tormented by the passing minutes. was tormented by the passing minutes. >> Let it burn up. >> Let it burn up. >> Let it burn up. >> He asked Pete Hayden if he had >> He asked Pete Hayden if he had >> He asked Pete Hayden if he had considered the threat of a partial considered the threat of a partial considered the threat of a partial localized collapse on the burning localized collapse on the burning localized collapse on the burning floors. floors. floors. >> I said yes. Uh but we needed to get the >> I said yes. Uh but we needed to get the >> I said yes. Uh but we needed to get the people out. There were hundreds upon people out. There were hundreds upon people out. There were hundreds upon hundreds of people coming down the hundreds of people coming down the hundreds of people coming down the interior stairs. interior stairs. interior stairs. >> How much time did you think you had? >> How much time did you think you had? >> How much time did you think you had? >> I thought we had a couple of hours. >> I thought we had a couple of hours. >> I thought we had a couple of hours. >> The chiefs knew no steel high-rise in >> The chiefs knew no steel high-rise in >> The chiefs knew no steel high-rise in history had ever completely collapsed history had ever completely collapsed history had ever completely collapsed due to fire. due to fire. due to fire. >> None of us expected the building to come >> None of us expected the building to come >> None of us expected the building to come down. We expected the fire to keep down. We expected the fire to keep down. We expected the fire to keep burning and conditions to get worse. But burning and conditions to get worse. But burning and conditions to get worse. But um if we could just um if we could just um if we could just get one route above in each building, get one route above in each building, get one route above in each building, perhaps we could perhaps we could perhaps we could bring some folks down at least. You just bring some folks down at least. You just bring some folks down at least. You just needed a little more time. needed a little more time. needed a little more time. >> We just needed time.

>> We just needed time. >> We just needed time. >> Oreo. All right. >> Oreo. All right. >> Oreo. All right. >> No one would do more with time than Oreo >> No one would do more with time than Oreo >> No one would do more with time than Oreo Palmer. That's him on the right with the Palmer. That's him on the right with the Palmer. That's him on the right with the mustache. He's receiving orders to go to mustache. He's receiving orders to go to mustache. He's receiving orders to go to the south tower to try to clear a path the south tower to try to clear a path the south tower to try to clear a path to the trapped souls calling 911. to the trapped souls calling 911. to the trapped souls calling 911. >> How many people where you're at right >> How many people where you're at right >> How many people where you're at right now? now? now? >> There's like five people here with me. >> There's like five people here with me. >> There's like five people here with me. >> Call up from the 83rd floor. >> Call up from the 83rd floor. >> Call up from the 83rd floor. >> 83rd floor. >> 83rd floor. >> 83rd floor. >> 32year-old Melissa Doy was saying the >> 32year-old Melissa Doy was saying the >> 32year-old Melissa Doy was saying the Hail Mary prayer when 911 answered. The Hail Mary prayer when 911 answered. The Hail Mary prayer when 911 answered. The once aspiring ballerina was a manager in once aspiring ballerina was a manager in once aspiring ballerina was a manager in a financial firm on 83, one of the a financial firm on 83, one of the a financial firm on 83, one of the burning floors in the South Tower. burning floors in the South Tower. burning floors in the South Tower. >> Is are they going to be able to get >> Is are they going to be able to get >> Is are they going to be able to get somebody up here? Are we coming up? somebody up here? Are we coming up? somebody up here? Are we coming up? >> Well, there's no one here yet. And the >> Well, there's no one here yet. And the >> Well, there's no one here yet. And the floor is completely engulfed. We're on floor is completely engulfed. We're on floor is completely engulfed. We're on the floor and we can't breathe the floor and we can't breathe the floor and we can't breathe >> and it's very, very, very hot. >> and it's very, very, very hot. >> and it's very, very, very hot. >> The operator was right. Someone was >> The operator was right. Someone was >> The operator was right. Someone was rising toward Melissa Doy. Oreo Palmer rising toward Melissa Doy. Oreo Palmer rising toward Melissa Doy. Oreo Palmer ran marathons as a hobby.

ran marathons as a hobby. ran marathons as a hobby. >> Battalion 7, ladder. >> Battalion 7, ladder. >> Battalion 7, ladder. >> Battalion 7 is Chief Palmer. Ladder 15 >> Battalion 7 is Chief Palmer. Ladder 15 >> Battalion 7 is Chief Palmer. Ladder 15 is a team of firefighters a few floors is a team of firefighters a few floors is a team of firefighters a few floors below. below. below. >> What do you got up there, Steve? >> What do you got up there, Steve? >> What do you got up there, Steve? >> I'm still in voice, 74th floor. No smoke >> I'm still in voice, 74th floor. No smoke >> I'm still in voice, 74th floor. No smoke problem. The walls are breached, so be problem. The walls are breached, so be problem. The walls are breached, so be careful. careful. careful. >> This is ladder 15's Lieutenant Joe Levy. >> This is ladder 15's Lieutenant Joe Levy. >> This is ladder 15's Lieutenant Joe Levy. >> All right, we're on 71. coming up behind >> All right, we're on 71. coming up behind >> All right, we're on 71. coming up behind you. you. you. Marshal 75. Marshal 75. Marshal 75. >> Palmer found fire marshal Ron Bua on the >> Palmer found fire marshal Ron Bua on the >> Palmer found fire marshal Ron Bua on the 75th floor evacuating civilians. 75th floor evacuating civilians. 75th floor evacuating civilians. >> 75 firefighters Adam stairway to knock down firefighters Adam stairway to knock down two fires. You got a house line stretch. two fires. You got a house line stretch. two fires. You got a house line stretch. We can hit the water on and knock it We can hit the water on and knock it We can hit the water on and knock it down. Okay. down. Okay. down. Okay. >> Palmer had discovered the only intact >> Palmer had discovered the only intact >> Palmer had discovered the only intact stairway to the top of the south tower. stairway to the top of the south tower. stairway to the top of the south tower. Unlike the north tower, the second plane Unlike the north tower, the second plane Unlike the north tower, the second plane had missed stairway A. had missed stairway A. had missed stairway A. >> Yeah, go 77 now in the B. I'll be right >> Yeah, go 77 now in the B. I'll be right >> Yeah, go 77 now in the B. I'll be right through you.

through you. through you. >> If Palmer could clear this stairwell, >> If Palmer could clear this stairwell, >> If Palmer could clear this stairwell, 619 619 619 souls would have a way out. He was five souls would have a way out. He was five souls would have a way out. He was five floors below Melissa Doy and rising. floors below Melissa Doy and rising. floors below Melissa Doy and rising. >> I'm going to die. No, no, no, no, no. >> I'm going to die. No, no, no, no, no. >> I'm going to die. No, no, no, no, no. I'm going to die, ma'am. Say your I'm going to die, ma'am. Say your I'm going to die, ma'am. Say your prayers, but we're not going to die. prayers, but we're not going to die. prayers, but we're not going to die. We're going to take five because you got We're going to take five because you got We're going to take five because you got to help to get off the floor. to help to get off the floor. to help to get off the floor. >> We're about to stare going up to 79. >> We're about to stare going up to 79. >> We're about to stare going up to 79. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> All right. I'm on my way up. >> All right. I'm on my way up. >> All right. I'm on my way up. >> Look, stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. >> Look, stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. >> Look, stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. Stay calm. >> You're doing a good job, ma'am. You're >> You're doing a good job, ma'am. You're >> You're doing a good job, ma'am. You're doing a good job. You're doing doing a good job. You're doing doing a good job. You're doing >> so hot. I'm burning up. >> so hot. I'm burning up. >> so hot. I'm burning up. >> An hour had passed since the attack on >> An hour had passed since the attack on >> An hour had passed since the attack on the World Trade Center began. In the the World Trade Center began. In the the World Trade Center began. In the South Tower, Battalion 7 Chief Oreo South Tower, Battalion 7 Chief Oreo South Tower, Battalion 7 Chief Oreo Palmer took the only working elevator as Palmer took the only working elevator as Palmer took the only working elevator as high as it would go. Then he led the men high as it would go. Then he led the men high as it would go. Then he led the men of ladder 15 on a climb from the 40th of ladder 15 on a climb from the 40th of ladder 15 on a climb from the 40th floor. Palmer was trying to clear a path floor. Palmer was trying to clear a path floor. Palmer was trying to clear a path to 619 to 619 to 619 people trapped by fire.

45. 45. >> This is Palmer's radio transmission from >> This is Palmer's radio transmission from >> This is Palmer's radio transmission from the 78th floor of the South Tower. He's the 78th floor of the South Tower. He's the 78th floor of the South Tower. He's calling the firefighters of ladder 15 calling the firefighters of ladder 15 calling the firefighters of ladder 15 who are coming up with rescue gear from who are coming up with rescue gear from who are coming up with rescue gear from a few floors below. a few floors below. a few floors below. >> We got two I pockets of fire. We should >> We got two I pockets of fire. We should >> We got two I pockets of fire. We should be able to knock it down with two lines. be able to knock it down with two lines. be able to knock it down with two lines. Where you know that 78th floor 1045 code Where you know that 78th floor 1045 code Where you know that 78th floor 1045 code ones. 1045 code ones were fatalities, ones. 1045 code ones were fatalities, ones. 1045 code ones were fatalities, more than he could count. Palmer pressed more than he could count. Palmer pressed more than he could count. Palmer pressed towards 79, climbing at about one floor towards 79, climbing at about one floor towards 79, climbing at about one floor a minute. As he rose, Melissa Doy a minute. As he rose, Melissa Doy a minute. As he rose, Melissa Doy speaking to 911 from the 83rd floor speaking to 911 from the 83rd floor speaking to 911 from the 83rd floor thought she heard someone. thought she heard someone. thought she heard someone. >> Wait, wait, wait. >> Wait, wait, wait. >> Wait, wait, wait. [screaming] Help. [screaming] Help. [screaming] Help. >> Hello, ma'am. >> Hello, ma'am. >> Hello, ma'am. >> Oh my god. They coming through for you >> Oh my god. They coming through for you >> Oh my god. They coming through for you now. Find out if there's anybody here on now. Find out if there's anybody here on now. Find out if there's anybody here on the 83rd floor. the 83rd floor. the 83rd floor. >> Ma'am, don't worry. You stay on the >> Ma'am, don't worry. You stay on the >> Ma'am, don't worry. You stay on the phone with me and I already know. phone with me and I already know. phone with me and I already know. >> Find out if there's anyone on the 83rd >> Find out if there's anyone on the 83rd >> Find out if there's anyone on the 83rd floor because floor because floor because >> ma'am, I already heard somebody.

>> ma'am, I already heard somebody. >> ma'am, I already heard somebody. >> We don't know what she heard. >> We don't know what she heard. >> We don't know what she heard. >> But hearing no answer to her shout, >> But hearing no answer to her shout, >> But hearing no answer to her shout, Melissa Doy returned the call. Can you Melissa Doy returned the call. Can you Melissa Doy returned the call. Can you can you already with me please? can you already with me please? can you already with me please? >> Yes ma'am. >> Yes ma'am. >> Yes ma'am. >> Oral Palma knew how dangerous this was >> Oral Palma knew how dangerous this was >> Oral Palma knew how dangerous this was and he didn't stop. and he didn't stop. and he didn't stop. A ladder 15 knew how dangerous it was. A ladder 15 knew how dangerous it was. A ladder 15 knew how dangerous it was. But we never thought that an entire But we never thought that an entire But we never thought that an entire high-rise building would collapse. high-rise building would collapse. high-rise building would collapse. There was no history of it anywhere in There was no history of it anywhere in There was no history of it anywhere in the world. But this day, history was the world. But this day, history was the world. But this day, history was changing because the planes had blasted changing because the planes had blasted changing because the planes had blasted away the spray-on fireproof foam away the spray-on fireproof foam away the spray-on fireproof foam insulating the structural steel. The insulating the structural steel. The insulating the structural steel. The burning floors were sagging, slowly, burning floors were sagging, slowly, burning floors were sagging, slowly, pulling the exterior inward. pulling the exterior inward. pulling the exterior inward. EMS Division Chief John Peru was in the EMS Division Chief John Peru was in the EMS Division Chief John Peru was in the city emergency operations center where city emergency operations center where city emergency operations center where he received a warning from an official he received a warning from an official he received a warning from an official he believes was an engineer. He said, he believes was an engineer. He said, he believes was an engineer. He said, "The buildings are severely compromised.

"The buildings are severely compromised. "The buildings are severely compromised. You can see slight lean. They're in You can see slight lean. They're in You can see slight lean. They're in danger of collapse." So I grabbed one of danger of collapse." So I grabbed one of danger of collapse." So I grabbed one of my staff guys, EMT Rich Zerillo, and I my staff guys, EMT Rich Zerillo, and I my staff guys, EMT Rich Zerillo, and I said, "Rich, go to Peakans. Don't talk said, "Rich, go to Peakans. Don't talk said, "Rich, go to Peakans. Don't talk to anyone else and deliver this message. to anyone else and deliver this message. to anyone else and deliver this message. The buildings are in danger of The buildings are in danger of The buildings are in danger of collapse." collapse." collapse." >> In this 4se secondond video at far left, >> In this 4se secondond video at far left, >> In this 4se secondond video at far left, you see Rich Zerillo's blue shirt. He's you see Rich Zerillo's blue shirt. He's you see Rich Zerillo's blue shirt. He's delivering the warning to Pete Gansy. delivering the warning to Pete Gansy. delivering the warning to Pete Gansy. Zerillo hardly got the words out when Zerillo hardly got the words out when Zerillo hardly got the words out when Gansy's attention was drawn to a roar Gansy's attention was drawn to a roar Gansy's attention was drawn to a roar from the south tower above him. >> Loud noise. Had no idea what it was. >> Loud noise. Had no idea what it was. All we saw was this plume of dust and All we saw was this plume of dust and All we saw was this plume of dust and smoke and and debris. In the moment smoke and and debris. In the moment smoke and and debris. In the moment before, Melissa Doy had given the 911 before, Melissa Doy had given the 911 before, Melissa Doy had given the 911 operator her mother's phone number and operator her mother's phone number and operator her mother's phone number and the message that her daughter loved her. the message that her daughter loved her. the message that her daughter loved her. Then there was silence.

Then there was silence. Then there was silence. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. Melissa, please. Melissa, please. Melissa, please. Going to be all right. You're going to Going to be all right. You're going to Going to be all right. You're going to be fine. You got to talk to your mother be fine. You got to talk to your mother be fine. You got to talk to your mother yourself. yourself. yourself. But you got to think positive. You got But you got to think positive. You got But you got to think positive. You got to stay calm. Okay? You got to talk to to stay calm. Okay? You got to talk to to stay calm. Okay? You got to talk to your mother yourself. All right, >> Melissa. >> Melissa. >> Palmer's last radio transmission was >> Palmer's last radio transmission was >> Palmer's last radio transmission was battalion 7 to latter 15 and there's battalion 7 to latter 15 and there's battalion 7 to latter 15 and there's nothing after that. That's when the nothing after that. That's when the nothing after that. That's when the tower collapses. tower collapses. tower collapses. He must have known He must have known He must have known that with every step he ascended, his that with every step he ascended, his that with every step he ascended, his chance of survival dropped. chance of survival dropped. chance of survival dropped. didn't deter him one bit. The only thing didn't deter him one bit. The only thing didn't deter him one bit. The only thing that was in his mind was, "Let me get up that was in his mind was, "Let me get up that was in his mind was, "Let me get up there. Let me get as many people out as there. Let me get as many people out as there. Let me get as many people out as I can as quickly as I can." I can as quickly as I can." I can as quickly as I can." >> Joe Feifer next door in the north tower >> Joe Feifer next door in the north tower >> Joe Feifer next door in the north tower was 200 ft from the cascading twin.

And then the lobby goes And then the lobby goes pitch black. pitch black. pitch black. >> Everybody all right? >> Everybody all right? >> Everybody all right? >> Yeah, I'm okay. >> Yeah, I'm okay. >> Yeah, I'm okay. >> And in the darkness, I wondered if I was >> And in the darkness, I wondered if I was >> And in the darkness, I wondered if I was dead or alive. dead or alive. dead or alive. >> We got TO GET EVERYBODY OUT. LET'S GO. >> We got TO GET EVERYBODY OUT. LET'S GO. >> We got TO GET EVERYBODY OUT. LET'S GO. >> AND I got on my radio >> AND I got on my radio >> AND I got on my radio and I said, "Command to all units in and I said, "Command to all units in and I said, "Command to all units in tower one. evacuate the building. tower one. evacuate the building. tower one. evacuate the building. >> Joe Feifer was given the order to >> Joe Feifer was given the order to >> Joe Feifer was given the order to evacuate and one of the firefighters uh evacuate and one of the firefighters uh evacuate and one of the firefighters uh were calling my name. were calling my name. were calling my name. >> Chief Hay, >> Chief Hay, >> Chief Hay, >> he says, "Uh, we we have somebody down." >> he says, "Uh, we we have somebody down." >> he says, "Uh, we we have somebody down." >> I felt somebody at my feet. And I I saw >> I felt somebody at my feet. And I I saw >> I felt somebody at my feet. And I I saw this was our fire fire department this was our fire fire department this was our fire fire department chaplain, Father Michael Judge. I chaplain, Father Michael Judge. I chaplain, Father Michael Judge. I removed his white collar. removed his white collar. removed his white collar. I checked for his pulse and breathing I checked for his pulse and breathing I checked for his pulse and breathing and he had none and he had none and he had none and I knew he was gone. Several of us and I knew he was gone. Several of us and I knew he was gone. Several of us picked him up and we carried him out. picked him up and we carried him out. picked him up and we carried him out. The EMTs that had taken him actually The EMTs that had taken him actually The EMTs that had taken him actually took him not to the morg, but they took took him not to the morg, but they took took him not to the morg, but they took him to uh St. Peter Claver, which is a him to uh St. Peter Claver, which is a him to uh St. Peter Claver, which is a Catholic church a little bit north of Catholic church a little bit north of Catholic church a little bit north of the trade center. and they laid him on the trade center. and they laid him on the trade center. and they laid him on the altar and they called up the the altar and they called up the the altar and they called up the Franciscan priests to come down and get Franciscan priests to come down and get Franciscan priests to come down and get him.

>> Power two has had a major explosion and >> Power two has had a major explosion and what appears to be a complete collapse. what appears to be a complete collapse. what appears to be a complete collapse. How to mobilize the army. We need the How to mobilize the army. We need the How to mobilize the army. We need the army in Manhattan. army in Manhattan. army in Manhattan. >> There was a rush of dust with high >> There was a rush of dust with high >> There was a rush of dust with high pressure coming in, you know, with force pressure coming in, you know, with force pressure coming in, you know, with force um that I've never experienced before. um that I've never experienced before. um that I've never experienced before. Gansy's streetside command post had been Gansy's streetside command post had been Gansy's streetside command post had been set up next to an underground garage in set up next to an underground garage in set up next to an underground garage in case shelter was needed. Captain John case shelter was needed. Captain John case shelter was needed. Captain John Sudnnik Gansy and the chiefs dove into Sudnnik Gansy and the chiefs dove into Sudnnik Gansy and the chiefs dove into the entrance. the entrance. the entrance. >> I just remember the dust that day >> I just remember the dust that day >> I just remember the dust that day feeling like it was searing your lungs. feeling like it was searing your lungs. feeling like it was searing your lungs. Like it was like it felt like you were Like it was like it felt like you were Like it was like it felt like you were swallowing glass. swallowing glass. swallowing glass. >> Pitch black. Pitch black. But we heard >> Pitch black. Pitch black. But we heard >> Pitch black. Pitch black. But we heard voices. Are you okay? Are you okay? And voices. Are you okay? Are you okay? And voices. Are you okay? Are you okay? And then that's when we made our way back then that's when we made our way back then that's when we made our way back up. up. up. And then when we got up to uh where the And then when we got up to uh where the And then when we got up to uh where the command post was, command post was, command post was, Pete's mind went into rescue mode. Pete Pete's mind went into rescue mode. Pete Pete's mind went into rescue mode. Pete Gansy heard on the radio the cries of Gansy heard on the radio the cries of Gansy heard on the radio the cries of trapped and wounded firefighters.

trapped and wounded firefighters. trapped and wounded firefighters. >> And then I remember him giving orders. I >> And then I remember him giving orders. I >> And then I remember him giving orders. I need truck companies. I need rescue need truck companies. I need rescue need truck companies. I need rescue company. company. company. Tell them to come with me. As he had Tell them to come with me. As he had Tell them to come with me. As he had before, Gansy went into the debris to before, Gansy went into the debris to before, Gansy went into the debris to save his men himself. save his men himself. save his men himself. In the still standing North Tower, many In the still standing North Tower, many In the still standing North Tower, many firefighters refused the order to firefighters refused the order to firefighters refused the order to evacuate while they were still carrying evacuate while they were still carrying evacuate while they were still carrying the wounded and disabled. the wounded and disabled. the wounded and disabled. Gansy sent Sal Casano to set up a new Gansy sent Sal Casano to set up a new Gansy sent Sal Casano to set up a new command post. 28 minutes later, Casano command post. 28 minutes later, Casano command post. 28 minutes later, Casano was on his way back. And then I look up was on his way back. And then I look up was on his way back. And then I look up and all I could see was the um antenna and all I could see was the um antenna and all I could see was the um antenna from the north tower imploding. >> The other tower just collapsed. Made to >> The other tower just collapsed. Made to collapse. Made to collapse. >> I in my mind um had to >> I in my mind um had to be resolved with death.

be resolved with death. be resolved with death. Regina Wilson was on the street below Regina Wilson was on the street below Regina Wilson was on the street below the tower. She was with engine 219 in the tower. She was with engine 219 in the tower. She was with engine 219 in her second year as a firefighter. her second year as a firefighter. her second year as a firefighter. >> And I prayed and then I just asked God >> And I prayed and then I just asked God >> And I prayed and then I just asked God to just protect me. And then if he to just protect me. And then if he to just protect me. And then if he couldn't, I knew that I would die doing couldn't, I knew that I would die doing couldn't, I knew that I would die doing what I love. what I love. what I love. >> Inside the collapsing North Tower, the >> Inside the collapsing North Tower, the >> Inside the collapsing North Tower, the men of Engine 39 were caught in a men of Engine 39 were caught in a men of Engine 39 were caught in a stairwell. stairwell. stairwell. >> And it started out slow. Boom. Boom. >> And it started out slow. Boom. Boom. >> And it started out slow. Boom. Boom. Boom. Then it got quicker where pretty Boom. Then it got quicker where pretty Boom. Then it got quicker where pretty soon was just like bum bum coming down. soon was just like bum bum coming down. soon was just like bum bum coming down. You You You >> Jeff Caniglio and Jamie Epamiottis were >> Jeff Caniglio and Jamie Epamiottis were >> Jeff Caniglio and Jamie Epamiottis were on the stairs near the ground floor with on the stairs near the ground floor with on the stairs near the ground floor with 110 floors above them. [clears throat] 110 floors above them. [clears throat] 110 floors above them. [clears throat] >> It took 10 seconds for it to come down, >> It took 10 seconds for it to come down, >> It took 10 seconds for it to come down, but it felt like 10 minutes. I saw but it felt like 10 minutes. I saw but it felt like 10 minutes. I saw I was in the background of a funeral. I I was in the background of a funeral. I I was in the background of a funeral. I saw my casket. I saw my parents, my wife saw my casket. I saw my parents, my wife saw my casket. I saw my parents, my wife sitting in the front. And as I'm sitting in the front. And as I'm sitting in the front. And as I'm watching this, I'm like, "All right, watching this, I'm like, "All right, watching this, I'm like, "All right, it's going to be quick." I'm just it's going to be quick." I'm just it's going to be quick." I'm just waiting for something to tap my shoulder waiting for something to tap my shoulder waiting for something to tap my shoulder and figure I'll feel a tap and that'll and figure I'll feel a tap and that'll and figure I'll feel a tap and that'll be it. We'll be gone. You know, we're be it. We'll be gone. You know, we're be it. We'll be gone. You know, we're not going to suffer.

not going to suffer. not going to suffer. >> James McGlin and Bob Bacon were in the >> James McGlin and Bob Bacon were in the >> James McGlin and Bob Bacon were in the same stairwell. same stairwell. same stairwell. >> You know, the wind actually came up the >> You know, the wind actually came up the >> You know, the wind actually came up the stairwell. stairwell. stairwell. >> You know, blew me into the air and the >> You know, blew me into the air and the >> You know, blew me into the air and the the landing that I was on just the landing that I was on just the landing that I was on just disintegrated underneath me and I kind disintegrated underneath me and I kind disintegrated underneath me and I kind of bounced, you know, back and forth and of bounced, you know, back and forth and of bounced, you know, back and forth and hanging from like a pipe. Uh, I think I hanging from like a pipe. Uh, I think I hanging from like a pipe. Uh, I think I said a couple of prayers and said, "God, said a couple of prayers and said, "God, said a couple of prayers and said, "God, please get us out of here." please get us out of here." please get us out of here." >> Their fragment of an intact stairwell >> Their fragment of an intact stairwell >> Their fragment of an intact stairwell lay upon a mountain of misery. 16 acres lay upon a mountain of misery. 16 acres lay upon a mountain of misery. 16 acres of wreckage, 91 crushed FDNY vehicles, of wreckage, 91 crushed FDNY vehicles, of wreckage, 91 crushed FDNY vehicles, and quiet and quiet and quiet like the first heavy snow of winter. like the first heavy snow of winter. like the first heavy snow of winter. Every once in a while, you'd hear the Every once in a while, you'd hear the Every once in a while, you'd hear the radio, the dispatcher on the radio radio, the dispatcher on the radio radio, the dispatcher on the radio trying to contact somebody. trying to contact somebody. trying to contact somebody. I'm an adding any division or any staff I'm an adding any division or any staff I'm an adding any division or any staff chief at the scene of the World Trade chief at the scene of the World Trade chief at the scene of the World Trade Center. Okay. >> Silence spoke of unimaginable loss. >> Silence spoke of unimaginable loss. >> Any division chief or any staff chief at >> Any division chief or any staff chief at >> Any division chief or any staff chief at the scene of any of the World Trade the scene of any of the World Trade the scene of any of the World Trade Center. Okay.

Only four of us survived. Only four of us survived. Joe Feifer thought of the lieutenant of Joe Feifer thought of the lieutenant of Joe Feifer thought of the lieutenant of engine 33, his brother Kevin, who Feifer engine 33, his brother Kevin, who Feifer engine 33, his brother Kevin, who Feifer sent up the north tower. sent up the north tower. sent up the north tower. >> I got on my radio >> I got on my radio >> I got on my radio and I said, "Battalion one to engine 33 and I said, "Battalion one to engine 33 and I said, "Battalion one to engine 33 and I repeated it several times and I repeated it several times and I repeated it several times and I didn't get an answer." and I didn't get an answer." and I didn't get an answer." Kevin Feifer was gone and so was the Kevin Feifer was gone and so was the Kevin Feifer was gone and so was the crew of ladder 105 which rolled from crew of ladder 105 which rolled from crew of ladder 105 which rolled from Regina Wilson's firehouse. Regina Wilson's firehouse. Regina Wilson's firehouse. >> We found the truck. We didn't find the >> We found the truck. We didn't find the >> We found the truck. We didn't find the members. members. members. >> What happened to them? >> What happened to them? >> What happened to them? >> They all died. >> They all died. >> They all died. >> Among them was John Chapura, her mentor >> Among them was John Chapura, her mentor >> Among them was John Chapura, her mentor and her savior. and her savior. and her savior. Regina Wilson was assigned to the doomed Regina Wilson was assigned to the doomed Regina Wilson was assigned to the doomed ladder 105. But early that morning ladder 105. But early that morning ladder 105. But early that morning before the attack, John Chapura asked to before the attack, John Chapura asked to before the attack, John Chapura asked to switch jobs, which put her among the switch jobs, which put her among the switch jobs, which put her among the survivors of engine 219.

survivors of engine 219. survivors of engine 219. >> I tried to honor him by by talking his >> I tried to honor him by by talking his >> I tried to honor him by by talking his name. And that's how it is in the name. And that's how it is in the name. And that's how it is in the African-American culture. African-American culture. African-American culture. When you speak the name of an ancestor When you speak the name of an ancestor When you speak the name of an ancestor or you speak the name of a loved one, or you speak the name of a loved one, or you speak the name of a loved one, then they live. then they live. then they live. And so every time I say John named, he And so every time I say John named, he And so every time I say John named, he lives. And it gives me comfort. lives. And it gives me comfort. lives. And it gives me comfort. >> It was very hot. >> It was very hot. >> It was very hot. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> The men of Engine 39 were trapped in the >> The men of Engine 39 were trapped in the >> The men of Engine 39 were trapped in the wreckage near the north tower lobby. wreckage near the north tower lobby. wreckage near the north tower lobby. They could hear only a few feet away. They could hear only a few feet away. They could hear only a few feet away. Battalion Chief Richard Prunty who was Battalion Chief Richard Prunty who was Battalion Chief Richard Prunty who was pinned and calling for help. pinned and calling for help. pinned and calling for help. >> We couldn't get to him and he was >> We couldn't get to him and he was >> We couldn't get to him and he was passing out passing out passing out >> at times. Yeah, he was coming in and >> at times. Yeah, he was coming in and >> at times. Yeah, he was coming in and out. out. out. >> Did you hear his radio transmissions? >> Did you hear his radio transmissions? >> Did you hear his radio transmissions? The last thing that he said was of The last thing that he said was of The last thing that he said was of course about his wife and saying that course about his wife and saying that course about his wife and saying that >> tell my wife and children I love them. >> tell my wife and children I love them. >> tell my wife and children I love them. >> Yeah. That they were the most of my wife >> Yeah. That they were the most of my wife >> Yeah. That they were the most of my wife that she was the most important thing in that she was the most important thing in that she was the most important thing in the world to me. the world to me. the world to me. >> Those words were among Richard Prunty's >> Those words were among Richard Prunty's >> Those words were among Richard Prunty's last. The men of engine 39 were rescued last. The men of engine 39 were rescued last. The men of engine 39 were rescued but 343 but 343 but 343 members of the FDNY were gone. In a members of the FDNY were gone. In a members of the FDNY were gone. In a tradition where the job is handed down tradition where the job is handed down tradition where the job is handed down in families, many lost fathers, sons and in families, many lost fathers, sons and in families, many lost fathers, sons and brothers, brothers, brothers, >> guys I had worked with both retired and >> guys I had worked with both retired and >> guys I had worked with both retired and active active active saying to me, you know, have you seen my saying to me, you know, have you seen my saying to me, you know, have you seen my son?

son? son? And uh And uh And uh you know, firefighter, young firefighter you know, firefighter, young firefighter you know, firefighter, young firefighter coming up, you know, chief, have you coming up, you know, chief, have you coming up, you know, chief, have you seen my father? I knew him. And I uh I seen my father? I knew him. And I uh I seen my father? I knew him. And I uh I just said no. I didn't have the courage just said no. I didn't have the courage just said no. I didn't have the courage to tell him what I knew to be true. to tell him what I knew to be true. to tell him what I knew to be true. >> Among the fallen were Peter Gansy and >> Among the fallen were Peter Gansy and >> Among the fallen were Peter Gansy and 71-year-old Deputy Fire Commissioner 71-year-old Deputy Fire Commissioner 71-year-old Deputy Fire Commissioner William Fen, who had gone with Gansy to William Fen, who had gone with Gansy to William Fen, who had gone with Gansy to rescue the trapped. Pete Hayden climbed rescue the trapped. Pete Hayden climbed rescue the trapped. Pete Hayden climbed a top an engine to address the living. a top an engine to address the living. a top an engine to address the living. >> I yelled out, um, you know, we we just >> I yelled out, um, you know, we we just >> I yelled out, um, you know, we we just lost a lot of guys here today. Let's lost a lot of guys here today. Let's lost a lot of guys here today. Let's have a a moment of silence. And uh well I took my helmet off And uh well I took my helmet off and um I reheld it. I held it and um I reheld it. I held it and um I reheld it. I held it and uh after a while I put my helmet and uh after a while I put my helmet and uh after a while I put my helmet back on. They put their helmets back on. back on. They put their helmets back on. back on. They put their helmets back on. I said, "Okay, we got a job to do. Let's I said, "Okay, we got a job to do. Let's I said, "Okay, we got a job to do. Let's do it." do it." do it." >> Do you look back and wonder >> Do you look back and wonder >> Do you look back and wonder how did I survive? And 343 how did I survive? And 343 how did I survive? And 343 members did not. Um, members did not. Um, members did not. Um, I didn't think about it as much.

I didn't think about it as much. I didn't think about it as much. We were crazy busy. I was working 18 We were crazy busy. I was working 18 We were crazy busy. I was working 18 hours a day. And then it hit me. I says, hours a day. And then it hit me. I says, hours a day. And then it hit me. I says, "I'm here." You know, I mean, I get home "I'm here." You know, I mean, I get home "I'm here." You know, I mean, I get home and I'm tired. And there was always food and I'm tired. And there was always food and I'm tired. And there was always food on the table waiting for me when I came on the table waiting for me when I came on the table waiting for me when I came home. That no matter what time I came home. That no matter what time I came home. That no matter what time I came home. And um And she said, "Did you ever think there And she said, "Did you ever think there was a job for you to do?" Volunteers started fighting fire in Volunteers started fighting fire in Manhattan in 1648. Manhattan in 1648. Manhattan in 1648. Nearly 200 years later, during the Civil Nearly 200 years later, during the Civil Nearly 200 years later, during the Civil War, an entire New York regiment was War, an entire New York regiment was War, an entire New York regiment was manned by firefighters. Their commander manned by firefighters. Their commander manned by firefighters. Their commander is quoted, "I want New York firemen, for is quoted, "I want New York firemen, for is quoted, "I want New York firemen, for there are no more effective men in the there are no more effective men in the there are no more effective men in the country." As those veterans returned country." As those veterans returned country." As those veterans returned home in 1865, home in 1865, home in 1865, the modern FDNY was created.

the modern FDNY was created. the modern FDNY was created. The department's traditions are handed The department's traditions are handed The department's traditions are handed down in families and so it remains, down in families and so it remains, down in families and so it remains, especially for the children of 9/11's especially for the children of 9/11's especially for the children of 9/11's fallen. fallen. fallen. The late Chief of Department Peter Gansy The late Chief of Department Peter Gansy The late Chief of Department Peter Gansy had three children. His daughter married had three children. His daughter married had three children. His daughter married a firefighter. These are his sons. a firefighter. These are his sons. a firefighter. These are his sons. Captain Peter Gansy III was 27 on 911. Captain Peter Gansy III was 27 on 911. Captain Peter Gansy III was 27 on 911. Battalion Chief Chris Gansy was 25. Battalion Chief Chris Gansy was 25. Battalion Chief Chris Gansy was 25. How did you learn your father died? How did you learn your father died? How did you learn your father died? >> I ran home and I'd gotten in the door >> I ran home and I'd gotten in the door >> I ran home and I'd gotten in the door right when Steve Mosciello was my dad's right when Steve Mosciello was my dad's right when Steve Mosciello was my dad's driver. Uh Al Tory, who was the chief of driver. Uh Al Tory, who was the chief of driver. Uh Al Tory, who was the chief of safety, I just remember them telling my safety, I just remember them telling my safety, I just remember them telling my mom that he's gone. And she said, "Gone mom that he's gone. And she said, "Gone mom that he's gone. And she said, "Gone where?" Like that like an innocently. where?" Like that like an innocently. where?" Like that like an innocently. And they're like, "He's dead." And I And they're like, "He's dead." And I And they're like, "He's dead." And I remember the scream that she that she remember the scream that she that she remember the scream that she that she let out. It's I could still hear it in let out. It's I could still hear it in let out. It's I could still hear it in my ears. And it pains me to hear it. the my ears. And it pains me to hear it. the my ears. And it pains me to hear it. the pain uh of a realization that that he's pain uh of a realization that that he's pain uh of a realization that that he's never walking back in the door.

never walking back in the door. never walking back in the door. >> Pete, what kind of man was he? >> Pete, what kind of man was he? >> Pete, what kind of man was he? >> He loved being around family, but his >> He loved being around family, but his >> He loved being around family, but his family was also the fire department. Uh family was also the fire department. Uh family was also the fire department. Uh we knew it. Uh my mom knew it sometimes we knew it. Uh my mom knew it sometimes we knew it. Uh my mom knew it sometimes to his dismay, but she uh you know, we to his dismay, but she uh you know, we to his dismay, but she uh you know, we we understood the type of person that he we understood the type of person that he we understood the type of person that he was and and why he chose you know, our was and and why he chose you know, our was and and why he chose you know, our chosen career. chosen career. chosen career. >> Chris, you were in business and on your >> Chris, you were in business and on your >> Chris, you were in business and on your way to an MBA. Did 9/11 make you a way to an MBA. Did 9/11 make you a way to an MBA. Did 9/11 make you a fireman? fireman? fireman? >> Absolutely. Had 9/11 not happened, I >> Absolutely. Had 9/11 not happened, I >> Absolutely. Had 9/11 not happened, I would not have been a New York City would not have been a New York City would not have been a New York City firefighter. firefighter. firefighter. >> You've quoted your dad as telling new >> You've quoted your dad as telling new >> You've quoted your dad as telling new graduates from the fire academy, you graduates from the fire academy, you graduates from the fire academy, you will never ever be rich, but you will will never ever be rich, but you will will never ever be rich, but you will always be happy. always be happy. always be happy. >> You'll always be happy. That's hard to >> You'll always be happy. That's hard to >> You'll always be happy. That's hard to explain to people how like you can get explain to people how like you can get explain to people how like you can get injured or you could get killed, but yet injured or you could get killed, but yet injured or you could get killed, but yet somehow you come home with a smile on somehow you come home with a smile on somehow you come home with a smile on your face. Like I enjoy being part of your face. Like I enjoy being part of your face. Like I enjoy being part of the organization. And it makes me gives the organization. And it makes me gives the organization. And it makes me gives me a sense of pride that I'd never felt me a sense of pride that I'd never felt me a sense of pride that I'd never felt anywhere else. And and and maybe that's anywhere else. And and and maybe that's anywhere else. And and and maybe that's what had driven my father for for so what had driven my father for for so what had driven my father for for so many years.

many years. many years. >> My name is Josephine Smith and I work in >> My name is Josephine Smith and I work in >> My name is Josephine Smith and I work in engine 39. engine 39. engine 39. >> Josephine Smith's late father, >> Josephine Smith's late father, >> Josephine Smith's late father, 47year-old Kevin Smith, was with Hazmat 47year-old Kevin Smith, was with Hazmat 47year-old Kevin Smith, was with Hazmat 1 on 911. 1 on 911. 1 on 911. >> I always wanted to be like my father. >> I always wanted to be like my father. >> I always wanted to be like my father. You know, I always wanted to be brave You know, I always wanted to be brave You know, I always wanted to be brave like him and strong and and willing. It like him and strong and and willing. It like him and strong and and willing. It really just runs through our blood really just runs through our blood really just runs through our blood generation to generation. I just think generation to generation. I just think generation to generation. I just think it's just who we are. It's our passion. it's just who we are. It's our passion. it's just who we are. It's our passion. It's our upbringing. It's our upbringing. It's our upbringing. >> Somebody else might have thought >> Somebody else might have thought >> Somebody else might have thought with such grievous loss. with such grievous loss. with such grievous loss. I don't want to have anything to do with I don't want to have anything to do with I don't want to have anything to do with that. that. that. >> It's not the job that took my father. It >> It's not the job that took my father. It >> It's not the job that took my father. It was an act of terrorism that took my was an act of terrorism that took my was an act of terrorism that took my father. And father. And father. And that made me want to fight even more to that made me want to fight even more to that made me want to fight even more to protect the city of New York and the protect the city of New York and the protect the city of New York and the citizens. You may have taken my father citizens. You may have taken my father citizens. You may have taken my father from me, but the passion in the blood is from me, but the passion in the blood is from me, but the passion in the blood is still there.

still there. still there. >> I'm John Palumbo. I work in 92 Engine in >> I'm John Palumbo. I work in 92 Engine in >> I'm John Palumbo. I work in 92 Engine in the South Bronx. the South Bronx. the South Bronx. >> I'm Tommy Palumbo. I work in 69 Engine >> I'm Tommy Palumbo. I work in 69 Engine >> I'm Tommy Palumbo. I work in 69 Engine in Harlem. in Harlem. in Harlem. >> John, how old were you on 911? I was a >> John, how old were you on 911? I was a >> John, how old were you on 911? I was a week away from being 8 years old and I week away from being 8 years old and I week away from being 8 years old and I was nine. was nine. was nine. >> How many kids in the Palumbo family? >> How many kids in the Palumbo family? >> How many kids in the Palumbo family? >> There's 10 of us. Eight boys and two >> There's 10 of us. Eight boys and two >> There's 10 of us. Eight boys and two girls. The Palumbo brother's dad, Frank girls. The Palumbo brother's dad, Frank girls. The Palumbo brother's dad, Frank Palumbo, was 46 when he died. Ladder Palumbo, was 46 when he died. Ladder Palumbo, was 46 when he died. Ladder 105. 105. 105. In a sense, it wasn't 911 that made the In a sense, it wasn't 911 that made the In a sense, it wasn't 911 that made the Palumbo boys firefighters. Palumbo boys firefighters. Palumbo boys firefighters. It was September the 12th and all the It was September the 12th and all the It was September the 12th and all the days that followed. days that followed. days that followed. My dad's brothers and sisters in the My dad's brothers and sisters in the My dad's brothers and sisters in the fire house, they cooked for us. They fire house, they cooked for us. They fire house, they cooked for us. They drove us places. They took us to Six drove us places. They took us to Six drove us places. They took us to Six Flags. I remember going on their Flags. I remember going on their Flags. I remember going on their shoulders and, you know, they take us by shoulders and, you know, they take us by shoulders and, you know, they take us by the arms and spin us in circles. the arms and spin us in circles. the arms and spin us in circles. >> The firehouse turned out for birthdays >> The firehouse turned out for birthdays >> The firehouse turned out for birthdays and games. and games. and games. >> The stands were filled at the hockey >> The stands were filled at the hockey >> The stands were filled at the hockey games. You know, it it it wasn't the games. You know, it it it wasn't the games. You know, it it it wasn't the same cuz you're missing the one person same cuz you're missing the one person same cuz you're missing the one person that you want there.

But they do everything they can to fill But they do everything they can to fill it. You know, they never will, but it. You know, they never will, but it. You know, they never will, but they did everything they could to fill they did everything they could to fill they did everything they could to fill it. As hard as it was for them, taking it. As hard as it was for them, taking it. As hard as it was for them, taking time away from their own families. time away from their own families. time away from their own families. >> The firehouse cooked dinner for the 10 >> The firehouse cooked dinner for the 10 >> The firehouse cooked dinner for the 10 Palumbos and their mother every Monday Palumbos and their mother every Monday Palumbos and their mother every Monday for five years until the family moved for five years until the family moved for five years until the family moved away. away. away. >> I'm a firefighter in Engine 214, Ladder >> I'm a firefighter in Engine 214, Ladder >> I'm a firefighter in Engine 214, Ladder 11 in Bedstey, Brooklyn. My name is 11 in Bedstey, Brooklyn. My name is 11 in Bedstey, Brooklyn. My name is Michael Florio. Mike Florio's dad, John Michael Florio. Mike Florio's dad, John Michael Florio. Mike Florio's dad, John Florio, was 33 years old on 911. Engine Florio, was 33 years old on 911. Engine Florio, was 33 years old on 911. Engine 214, the same house where his son works 214, the same house where his son works 214, the same house where his son works today. today. today. >> Every day I walk in, my father's >> Every day I walk in, my father's >> Every day I walk in, my father's pictures on the walls. There's a lot of pictures on the walls. There's a lot of pictures on the walls. There's a lot of memorials of him and the other four guys memorials of him and the other four guys memorials of him and the other four guys that passed on 911. I do have a lot of that passed on 911. I do have a lot of that passed on 911. I do have a lot of memories from the firehouse being a memories from the firehouse being a memories from the firehouse being a young boy and just walking in there young boy and just walking in there young boy and just walking in there every day and seeing his pictures, it every day and seeing his pictures, it every day and seeing his pictures, it brings back those memories. It makes me brings back those memories. It makes me brings back those memories. It makes me feel closer to him being there every feel closer to him being there every feel closer to him being there every day.

>> More than 60 children of 911's fallen >> More than 60 children of 911's fallen have been through the training academy have been through the training academy have been through the training academy on Randall's Island in the East River on Randall's Island in the East River on Randall's Island in the East River and are now on the job. to join. They and are now on the job. to join. They and are now on the job. to join. They took a written exam that's given only took a written exam that's given only took a written exam that's given only once every four years. About 60,000 once every four years. About 60,000 once every four years. About 60,000 applicants take it and only those in the applicants take it and only those in the applicants take it and only those in the top 10% earn a place in the rank and top 10% earn a place in the rank and top 10% earn a place in the rank and file. file. file. >> I I'm very proud of them. I feel that >> I I'm very proud of them. I feel that >> I I'm very proud of them. I feel that their their fathers would have been very their their fathers would have been very their their fathers would have been very proud of them. Dan Nigro, Peter Gansy's proud of them. Dan Nigro, Peter Gansy's proud of them. Dan Nigro, Peter Gansy's number two on 911, was promoted to chief number two on 911, was promoted to chief number two on 911, was promoted to chief of department and is now the city fire of department and is now the city fire of department and is now the city fire commissioner. Among the others in our commissioner. Among the others in our commissioner. Among the others in our story, John Sudnnik, a captain on 911, story, John Sudnnik, a captain on 911, story, John Sudnnik, a captain on 911, rose to chief of department, and so did rose to chief of department, and so did rose to chief of department, and so did Peter Hayden. Sal Casano became fire Peter Hayden. Sal Casano became fire Peter Hayden. Sal Casano became fire commissioner. Battalion chief Joe Feifer commissioner. Battalion chief Joe Feifer commissioner. Battalion chief Joe Feifer became chief of counterterrorism and now became chief of counterterrorism and now became chief of counterterrorism and now teaches crisis leadership. Regina Wilson teaches crisis leadership. Regina Wilson teaches crisis leadership. Regina Wilson is studying for the lieutenants exam is studying for the lieutenants exam is studying for the lieutenants exam and Oreo Palmer's name lives on the FDN and Oreo Palmer's name lives on the FDN and Oreo Palmer's name lives on the FDN Wise Award for the most physically fit Wise Award for the most physically fit Wise Award for the most physically fit firefighters.

>> A lot of bravery. A lot of bravery was >> A lot of bravery. A lot of bravery was displayed that day. Um displayed that day. Um displayed that day. Um and uh followed by a lot of sadness. and uh followed by a lot of sadness. and uh followed by a lot of sadness. >> Commissioner, it seems to be a sad day >> Commissioner, it seems to be a sad day >> Commissioner, it seems to be a sad day for you 20 years later. I think for for you 20 years later. I think for for you 20 years later. I think for everybody that was there that day, it it everybody that was there that day, it it everybody that was there that day, it it has just stayed with them. The sadness has just stayed with them. The sadness has just stayed with them. The sadness you have we have plenty of good days, you have we have plenty of good days, you have we have plenty of good days, plenty to be thankful for those of us plenty to be thankful for those of us plenty to be thankful for those of us who survived, but uh who survived, but uh who survived, but uh it's a it's a day that it never leave it's a it's a day that it never leave it's a it's a day that it never leave never leave you. never leave you. never leave you. >> Sadness becomes part of your life. >> Sadness becomes part of your life. >> Sadness becomes part of your life. Absolutely. Your father survived the collapse of the Your father survived the collapse of the first tower and instead of moving to first tower and instead of moving to first tower and instead of moving to safety, safety, safety, he went to answer the mayday calls from he went to answer the mayday calls from he went to answer the mayday calls from his trapped firefighters. his trapped firefighters. his trapped firefighters. >> Receiving reports of firefighters >> Receiving reports of firefighters >> Receiving reports of firefighters trapped him down. trapped him down. trapped him down. >> He knew that the other building was in >> He knew that the other building was in >> He knew that the other building was in imminent danger of collapsing. imminent danger of collapsing. imminent danger of collapsing. He had decided in that moment He had decided in that moment He had decided in that moment that he was not going home.

that he was not going home. that he was not going home. >> Yeah. I mean, he he chose his guys. And >> Yeah. I mean, he he chose his guys. And >> Yeah. I mean, he he chose his guys. And you know, we we could get angry about it you know, we we could get angry about it you know, we we could get angry about it and I know my sister and my mother and I know my sister and my mother and I know my sister and my mother sometimes we hit our head against the sometimes we hit our head against the sometimes we hit our head against the wall, but when when the smoke clears and wall, but when when the smoke clears and wall, but when when the smoke clears and and you think about it, it was the only and you think about it, it was the only and you think about it, it was the only decision. I I knew the way he felt about decision. I I knew the way he felt about decision. I I knew the way he felt about his men and his job and the FDNY and he his men and his job and the FDNY and he his men and his job and the FDNY and he was going to stay and see the job was going to stay and see the job was going to stay and see the job through and he he wouldn't have been through and he he wouldn't have been through and he he wouldn't have been able to live with himself if he if he if able to live with himself if he if he if able to live with himself if he if he if he left and you know one more guy was he left and you know one more guy was he left and you know one more guy was killed. It's it's just the way he was. killed. It's it's just the way he was. killed. It's it's just the way he was. It was I have to be there until the last It was I have to be there until the last It was I have to be there until the last guy is out. guy is out. guy is out. >> Today's recruits were children then. >> Today's recruits were children then. >> Today's recruits were children then. >> Secure your gear >> Secure your gear >> Secure your gear >> and so they muster before memories. Open >> and so they muster before memories. Open >> and so they muster before memories. Open R R R >> three columns of the World Trade Center >> three columns of the World Trade Center >> three columns of the World Trade Center and 343 lives which are here indelible and 343 lives which are here indelible and 343 lives which are here indelible in time. in time. in time. So many of us sacrifice so much that So many of us sacrifice so much that So many of us sacrifice so much that this story can't get lost cuz the world this story can't get lost cuz the world this story can't get lost cuz the world is changing fast.

is changing fast. is changing fast. And I don't want this to be something And I don't want this to be something And I don't want this to be something that's in um a history book that a page that's in um a history book that a page that's in um a history book that a page is turned and we're forgotten. We cannot do justice in this hour or any We cannot do justice in this hour or any number of hours to the sacrifices of the number of hours to the sacrifices of the number of hours to the sacrifices of the FDNY, the New York City Police FDNY, the New York City Police FDNY, the New York City Police Department, the Port Authority Police, Department, the Port Authority Police, Department, the Port Authority Police, and to those who fought to save lives at and to those who fought to save lives at and to those who fought to save lives at the Pentagon and on Flight 93 in the Pentagon and on Flight 93 in the Pentagon and on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. At the trade center, 2,753 people perished, but there were more people perished, but there were more than 17,000 in the towers, and 99% of than 17,000 in the towers, and 99% of than 17,000 in the towers, and 99% of those below the fires survived. those below the fires survived. those below the fires survived. That morning, a witness watched That morning, a witness watched That morning, a witness watched firefighters rush to the stairwells and firefighters rush to the stairwells and firefighters rush to the stairwells and wondered how they found the courage. wondered how they found the courage. wondered how they found the courage. After 20 years of reflection, it's clear After 20 years of reflection, it's clear After 20 years of reflection, it's clear they climbed to rise. To rise to the they climbed to rise. To rise to the they climbed to rise. To rise to the cries 1,000 ft above them. To rise to cries 1,000 ft above them. To rise to cries 1,000 ft above them. To rise to the defense of the firefighter beside the defense of the firefighter beside the defense of the firefighter beside them. To rise beyond duty. To a place of them. To rise beyond duty. To a place of them. To rise beyond duty. To a place of selfless devotion.