I witnessed the 9/11 Attacks on TV from the firehouse kitchen table 5 hours NW of Manhattan.
We were stopped from loading up our Rescue rigs and respond that moment. We knew there were would be thousands of victims. It was mindboggling. Eventually sending 1 unit a week later. It has left a deep scar on me, to say the least. There's many friendships between our NY fire departments and many of us in this business have never been the same since that day. Four of my fellow brothers committed suicide over the following few years...and another just a few months ago. Was it related, they weren't even there? I believe so. Visualizing the firefighter's humping those stairwells and then...! It's a bone chilling thought because any of us could be in a similar situation someday. I WANT TO SEE PEOPLE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!
Those that sacrificed their own lives that morning to save complete strangers regardless of race or religion, and also those that continue to die as a result of 9/11, DESERVE IT!

It changed literally everything, like we got quantum-physics-hurled into an alternate reality. I could feel evil in the air through the television screen and I was not even anywhere near it. If someone like me (not being trained or knowing the mechanics of rushing in or responding) can feel so profoundly, even to this day, I dare not try to guess how anyone else might feel (or had felt) about it. I could not imagine what it would be like to be in it nor to be a first responder attempting to help. It is the stuff of nightmares.

I will continue to stand along side you, waiting for ownership and answers, questioning everything, calling in judgement, and expecting justice, some how, some way.

We think we know, and we probably do already know more than enough, but it has never been reconciled and we cannot rest, trust, or move forward without some honest closure. That means we are still in the very war that was started that day. THAT is the line… still holding the line. 🦅

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼