Transcription Below
James: The skeleton remains of 1 WTC Building loomed near us in the smokey air. We were warned that some of the surrounding buildings might still collapse. So, we needed to be alert to that possibility. Also, there were gaps and openings in the debris into which there was the danger of falling.
We dug for a few hours, vainly searching for survivors. We honestly did not believe we would any, but we knew we had to try. We did find, throughout the debris, body parts of many victims. Every few moments we would hear the heartbreaking call for body bags from other rescue workers, or have to call for some ourselves. It seemed unbelievable at the time, and still does. It felt as if we were in the most horrible disaster movie.
After a while we needed to rest and our eyes were burning from the smoke and other pollutants in the air. So, we went to a Red Cross Aid Station and got our eyes flushed. It started to drizzle slightly so we went into a nearby deserted building to take a break.
It was a relief to take off our masks for a little while. We made our way outside and some bystanders were handing us out sandwiches, which we gratefully accepted. We then walked toward the Waterfront to eat, then, after finishing, went back to the pile to dig some more.
I saw Police Officers and Firemen from all over the country helping out, also many construction workers, soldiers and K9 units. There was amazing unity in purpose. More digging, more bucket brigade work. A lot of shoes were found, and other personal items, more heartbreaking calls for body bags. At one point I found a wallet. I passed it on to a NYPD Command Post. I wish I had recorded the name so I could honor that person. There was a great sense of despair among us because we knew at this point it was a recovery operation rather than a rescue. The scale of destruction was just too immense.
After working overnight and into the next day, we gathered ourselves up, dusty and exhausted, and returned to our vehicles. The ride back was silent, all of us caught up in our emotions, disbelief, anger, and sorrow. It was very hard to process what we saw and experienced, it still is. I remember walking into a 7-11 just before I got home and people gasped at our appearance. We were covered head to foot in gray dust.
The memory of that place will never leave me, a place of such great sorrow and destruction. A dear friend of mine, a girl I grew up with lived right around the block from me was killed in the attack. A few other people from my town were also killed, and some others later succumbed to 9/11 related cancer.
Since that awful day, 3 fellow Freeport Police have died from 9/11 related cancers and at least 4 others currently have 9/11 related illnesses. Many other first responders, construction workers, and other civilians have suffered or are suffering illnesses from their time at Ground Zero. A terrorist attack from 25 years ago which is still claiming victims. Never Forget.