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9/11: The FDNY | 60 Minutes

60 Minutes・26 minutes read

The FDNY firefighters showed immense bravery and determination in rescuing individuals trapped in the World Trade Center on 9/11, with many perishing in the line of duty. The sacrifices and selfless devotion of the FDNY members are honored, with a focus on their indelible impact and legacy.

Insights

  • The FDNY, comprising brave individuals like Orio Palmer and Chief Ganci, displayed immense courage and determination in rescuing trapped individuals during the 9/11 attacks, showcasing unwavering commitment to saving lives.
  • The legacy of the FDNY's sacrifice endures through generations, with over 60 children of fallen firefighters joining the department, exemplifying a tradition of service and heroism passed down through families, ensuring that the memory of those lost on 9/11 lives on in the selfless dedication of their descendants.

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Recent questions

  • How many firefighters died on 9/11 in New York?

    On September 11, 2001, a total of 343 firefighters tragically lost their lives in New York City during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

  • Who led the FDNY response on 9/11?

    Chief Peter Ganci Jr. led the FDNY response on September 11, 2001, racing to the scene of the World Trade Center attack to coordinate the massive rescue operation.

  • How many lives did the FDNY have to save after 9/11?

    Following the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11, the FDNY had an hour and a half to save an estimated 17,000 lives amidst the chaos and destruction.

  • What was the role of Battalion Chief Joe Pfeifer on 9/11?

    Battalion Chief Joe Pfeifer witnessed the first plane hitting the North Tower on September 11, 2001, marking the beginning of the tragic events that unfolded that day in New York City.

  • How did the FDNY honor fallen firefighters after 9/11?

    In the aftermath of 9/11, the FDNY established memorials in 217 firehouses across New York City to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks, ensuring their memory lives on in the hearts of their comrades and the community.

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Summary

00:00

FDNY Heroes Rescue Victims on 9/11

  • 217 firehouses in New York hold memorials for 343 firefighters who died on 9/11
  • Battalion Chief Joe Pfeifer witnessed the first plane hitting the North Tower
  • FDNY had an hour and a half to save 17,000 lives after the attack
  • Firefighters like Sal Cassano and Peter Hayden were determined to rescue those trapped
  • Melissa Doi, trapped on the 83rd floor, called 911 for help as the building burned
  • Chief Peter Ganci Jr. led the FDNY response, racing to the scene
  • Firefighters climbed tight stairwells with heavy gear to reach those trapped
  • The FDNY launched a massive rescue operation with 121 engines, 62 ladder companies, and 100 ambulances
  • Chief Ganci and his team faced the escalating crisis with bravery and determination
  • Orio Palmer, a firefighter, worked to clear a stairway in the South Tower to help trapped individuals escape

14:10

"911 Tragedy: Heroes, Loss, and Survival"

  • An hour after the World Trade Center attack, Battalion 7 Chief Orio Palmer led Ladder 15 up from the 40th floor to rescue 619 trapped individuals.
  • Palmer communicated via radio from the 78th floor, mentioning isolated fires and numerous fatalities.
  • Melissa Doi, on the 83rd floor, heard voices and sought help from 911, expressing fear and desperation.
  • Structural damage from the attack led to the collapse of the South Tower, with Palmer's final radio transmission occurring just before.
  • EMS Division Chief Peruggia received a warning about the towers' collapse, leading to evacuation orders.
  • Amidst the chaos, Father Mychal Judge was found deceased, and his body was taken to a nearby church.
  • The collapse of the towers resulted in immense destruction and loss, with many firefighters perishing in the line of duty.
  • Regina Wilson honored her fallen comrades by speaking their names, a tradition in her culture to keep their memory alive.
  • Engine 39 members, including Chief Prunty, faced harrowing moments before being rescued, with many FDNY members lost.
  • Survivors grappled with the enormity of the tragedy, questioning their survival and finding solace in the duty they fulfilled.

29:57

Legacy of FDNY: Generations of Brave Heroes

  • Volunteers began fighting fires in Manhattan in 1648, with an entire New York regiment manned by firefighters during the Civil War.
  • The modern FDNY was established in 1865, with traditions passed down through families, especially evident in the children of 9/11's fallen firefighters.
  • The late Chief of Department, Peter Ganci, had three children, one of whom became a firefighter due to the events of 9/11.
  • More than 60 children of 9/11's fallen firefighters have gone through training and joined the FDNY, with rigorous selection criteria including a written exam taken by 60,000 applicants every four years.
  • Several individuals from the FDNY story, including Dan Nigro, John Sudnik, Peter Hayden, Sal Cassano, and others, rose to prominent positions within the department.
  • The sacrifices and bravery of the FDNY on 9/11 are remembered, with a focus on the indelible impact of the events and the selfless devotion displayed by the firefighters.
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