Recognizing our 9/11 First Responders

Jesus Barrios

September 20, 2024

On September 11th, 2001, terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes and deliberately crashed them: American Airlines Flight 11, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 93, and United Airlines Flight 175.

At 8:46 AM, Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. All passengers aboard are instantly killed, and employees of the WTC are trapped above the 91st floor.

At 9:03 AM, Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Center’s South Tower. All passengers aboard are killed instantly and so are an unknown number of people in the tower.

At 9:37 AM, Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. All passengers aboard are instantly killed and so are 125 civilian and military personnel in the building.

At 10:03 AM, Flight 93 crashes into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after the passengers on board fight back. It was likely heading to the White House or US Capitol.

In the aftermath of these horrific events, our country faced devastating loss. But from the chaos, stories of heroism emerged. Those who responded, often at great personal risk, showed the true meaning of sacrifice and courage.

I had the opportunity to interview 9 of our 27 first responders and learn more about the events that happened that day, hoping to gain a new perspective.

Many of our first responders were home when the first plane hit the North Tower. Most watched in shock as the events unfolded on television, trying to make sense of it all. When the second plane struck, everything changed. Phones began to ring, and without hesitation, our first responders got ready and rushed in. Southern State Parkway and other roadways were closed, only allowing first responders through with their badges and plaques.

The roles of our first responders varied, but each made a significant contribution to rescue and recovery efforts. Some were police officers who worked in mobilizing the city, while others were part of supply units who helped distribute equipment. Some of our first responders were at Ground Zero, helping to clean the wreckage and recover remains. Many worked 12-hour shifts, putting their health and safety at risk, all while placing the lives of others before their own. Our responders showed remarkable bravery in the face of chaos.

Some of the things they saw were surreal, like something out of a movie. They described it as beyond anything they could have imagined.

In an interview with Vinroy, he spoke about the shocking things he’d seen at Ground Zero, including people covered in soot, barely recognizable. He described the scene as the craziest thing he’d witnessed in his career. The protective gear they had, simple carpentry masks, offered little defense against the toxic air. Vinroy worked at Ground Zero, helping dig through and search for two of his partners who went missing. Unfortunately, he shared that their bodies were found a little bit before Christmas, but they had unfortunately passed away, possibly to starvation, as their bodies were intact. Vinroy believes that in 20 years, everyone that had anything to do with 9/11 will be gone.

In an interview with Scott, he spoke about the long shifts he worked at Ground Zero and the things that he saw. On the day of 9/11, he worked an 18-hour shift removing debris and assisting in the recovery of victims. He remembers the fires still burning and the thick dust that covered everything. Despite the exhaustion, he, like many others, pushed through, determined to help in whatever way he could.

The efforts didn’t just stop at Ground Zero. Our responders across the city played an important role in keeping order, providing aid, and supporting recovery efforts. Some worked to secure the area, others provided medical assistance, and many coordinated efforts behind the scenes to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. No matter where they were stationed, they all played a part in protecting our city during its greatest time of need.

Even now, 23 years later, the events of that day continue to impact the lives of those who responded. Many have lost friends they worked alongside, people they shared their lives with. Each year, they go through screenings, never knowing what new illness might be discovered. Some responders continue to live with the memories of what they experienced, but they do so with resilience and with the idea of spreading awareness, giving us a new perspective on the aftermath.

In recognition of their service, Amityville Memorial High School honored our first responders throughout the building via announcements. At about 8:40 AM, students explained the context of 9/11. At 8:46 AM and 9:03 AM, the entire building held moments of silence to commemorate those who lost their lives that day. Our first responders within the high school were also acknowledged following these moments of reflection.

In addition to the school’s recognition, students contributed their own forms of recognition. Amityville student Asly Huete Arreola, with the help of Ms. Olsen, created an appreciation artwork piece depicting flowers to honor our 9/11 first responders. This artwork was later turned into a custom frame. I also had the opportunity to create a three-minute tribute video for our 9/11 first responders, after conducting interviews to ensure their stories were shared with respect and sincerity.

Later that evening, the Amityville District honored all of our first responders at the Board of Education meeting at 7:30 PM. The three-minute tribute video, reflecting the stories of our first responders, was presented. Following the presentation, Mrs. Stephens and Dr. Talbert handed attending first responders the custom frames as a form of appreciation for their service.

It’s incredibly important that as a community we recognize the extraordinary individuals who stood up in one of our darkest moments. It’s more important than ever that we never forget what happened that day, and that we continue to honor our first responders and the lives lost. Many students weren’t born during 9/11 and may see it as a typical day, but it’s a reminder of the strength and resilience that built this country.

Because while the dust may have settled, the memories, the sacrifices, and the lessons will always remain with us. By continuing to remember and honor these brave individuals, we ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Thank you to our Amityville first responders.

Amityville Memorial High School First Responders:

Vinroy Ambersley

Robert Anderson

Timothy Becht

Linda Brutus

Sheldon Brutus

Kevin Burke

Robert Dickes

Michael Durkin

Jeffrey Giel

William McCarthy

William Semis