On September 11, 2001, terrorists used hijacked airplanes as weapons to attack the United States. Two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City. One plane flew into the side of the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers stormed the cockpit. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attack.
In the aftermath, thousands of first responders converged on the sites of destruction, climbing through mountains of smoking debris and rubble in a race to find survivors. Ultimately, 8 EMS providers and 343 firefighters died that day and countless more have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses from their time working at Ground Zero.
Read the stories of survivors, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents. To share your 9/11 story, email editor@ems1.com.
From identifying your 鈥渨hy鈥� to studying climb logistics, there are several factors to consider as you prepare to complete the climb in honor of fallen firefighters
The story of Billy Moon, a heroic fallen FDNY firefighter, and the people whose lives he has saved
The museum is honoring the anniversary of Sept. 11 with a new exhibit, 鈥淩ecovery and Reflection, Celebrating the 9/11 Tribute鈥�
For people who donate $25 or more, Charity Share Times Square will place a photo of the donor with a sign reading 鈥淚 Haven鈥檛 Forgotten鈥� on the iconic Times Square billboard
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the legislation, which is meant to ensure future generations understand the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their place in history
The American flag, raised by NYC firefighters at Ground Zero shortly after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, was discovered years later in Washington state
More than 400 first responders climbed a total of 110 flights of stairs in honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001
More than 200 FDNY members have died of 9/11-related illnesses since the 2001 terror attacks and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero
Police received a criminal mischief report and found a vandalized 9/11 stone memorial covered with spray paint
DOJ officials said the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund will take steps to notify nearly 1,700 claimants of their unreduced payments by Sept. 11 of this year
President Trump signed into law an extension of the Sept. 11 victim fund through 2092
The 97-2 vote sends the bill to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it
Sen. Rand Paul鈥檚 amendment would offset the costs of compensation by cutting other programs, including Medicaid
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer reached an agreement with Sens. Mike Lee and Rand Paul to bring up the bill with two amendments
Sen. Rand Paul questioned the bill鈥檚 70-year time frame and said any new spending should be offset by corresponding cuts
Officials named the event after Richard Allen Pearlman, the youngest first responder who died during the attacks
The federal government will have to spend more than an estimated $10 billion by 2029 in its efforts to compensate first responders and survivors
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pledged he will act on the bill before Congress
One measure permits volunteer first responders to qualify for disability pensions when they retire
The names of late Det. Lou Alvarez and Firefighter Ray Pfeifer are being added to the new bill to restore the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Luis Alvarez assumed the spotlight to push Congress into action to aid first responders who developed life-threatening diseases from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
Detective Luis Alvarez was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2016, which he traced to the three months spent in the rubble of the World Trade Center鈥檚 twin towers after the 2001 terrorist attacks
Fund advocates say Sen. Mitch McConnell committed to scheduling a vote in August to renew the fund before it expires
The dedication of the monument was initially planned on Sept. 11, 2018, marking the 17th anniversary of the attacks, but organizers decided that more time was needed to complete the project
鈥淚t would also be helpful if the administration would kind of weigh in and I haven鈥檛 really seen any specific indication from them on where they stand,鈥� IAFF President Harold Schaitberger said
Advocate and comedian slams lack of attendance at hearing on a bill that would ensure first responder benefits for 70 years
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The 9/11 Memorial Glade honors rescue and recovery workers who were sickened or died after responding to the Sept. 11 attacks
Dr. Michael Guttenberg and William Ryan passed away from 9/11-related illnesses
The workers, including paramedics and EMTs, have been granted unlimited sick leave as they fight the illnesses linked to their time at Ground Zero
Jon Stewart said it was 鈥渘onsense鈥� that first responders and their families again have to 鈥渂eg鈥� Congress for money nearly 18 years after the attacks
With just $2.375 billion left to spend on 20,000 pending cases, compensation packages will have to be cut in half on all claims
A tribute to thousands of responders is taking shape in Vermont; it will be installed this spring at the national Sept. 11 memorial
Joseph Rodriguez, 59, died of lung cancer he contracted from the hours he spent assisting in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero
