On September 11th, 2001, the US was attacked by terrorists. Almost 3000 people died, including more than 400 emergency workers. This tragedy could have been much worse. Thousands of lives were spared thanks to brave people who put their own lives in jeopardy to save the lives of others.
New York City firefighters were the first responders after a hijacked jet hit the World Trade Center on September 11th.
Some firetrucks arrived within minutes of the attack. As people tried to flee the burning buildings, firefighters ran in. When the South Tower collapsed , many of the firefighters kept working.
They did not hear the call to evacuate the North Tower. 343 firefighters died at the scene. Many were killed by falling
debris. 60 police officers were killed as a result of the September 11th attacks. Unlike the people who ran for their lives from the smoke, the police remained at the scene to close down roads, direct foot traffic, and keep the media informed. In the days and weeks following the attacks, police squads across America provided support to New York.
Medical personnel were also heroes of 9/11. They rushed to the World Trade Center to set up emergency clinics. Nurses,
doctors, and volunteers worked throughout the day to care for the wounded. By evening, their hope for survivors
diminished and they took down their makeshift clinics. Along with the firefighters and police, a number of paramedics died in the line of duty that day.
The passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 were also heroes that morning. The hijacker in the pilot seat rocked the plane back and forth to try to keep the passengers out of the cockpit. Flight 93 crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Many believe the plane was headed for the White House.
The maritime community stepped in to help New Yorkers the moment the first plane hit. All of the vessels in the Port of New York were used . At least half a million people were evacuated by water on September 11th. The only other way out of the rubble was by foot.
It wasn’t only humans that helped save lives on September 11th. About 400 dogs were used in the search and rescue
efforts. Trakr, a German Shepherd from a K-9 unit, found the last survivor of 9/11. This rescue dog became famous and was cloned after the disaster. Five new search and rescue puppies were born to help humans in future disasters.
Construction workers spent thousands of hours cleaning up Ground Zero. It took months of sweat and tears to clear the
area. They recovered human remains and belongings and built a memorial and museum. These efforts helped the victims’ loved ones come to terms with the great loss.