They Answered the Call
September 11, 2001, 25th Anniversary (2001–2026)
By David Maletz
History Center staff
On the morning of September 11, 2001, two hijacked passenger aircraft struck the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Within minutes, firefighters of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) were dispatched to the scene.
As thousands of civilians evacuated the buildings, firefighters began climbing upward, ascending through smoke-filled stairwells and damaged floors to reach those trapped above the impact zones and to combat the spreading fires.
At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed.
At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.
When the attacks ended, 343 FDNY firefighters had lost their lives. This remains the largest loss of life in the history of the American fire service.
Among those who died were leaders and frontline responders alike, including Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. and Fire Marshal Ronald Paul Bucca. Their sacrifice, along with that of all 343 firefighters, is honored at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
A Firefighter’s Climb
In the critical moments following the attacks, many firefighters climbed dozens of floors carrying heavy equipment—often exceeding 60 pounds—to reach civilians trapped above the impact zones.
One such firefighter was Deputy Chief Orio Palmer, who ascended more than forty floors in the South Tower. From the upper levels, he coordinated rescue operations and reported conditions to command. His efforts continued until moments before the tower collapsed.
These actions reflect the defining principle of the fire service: to move toward danger when others are forced to flee.
In Their Memory
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”
The events of September 11, 2001, stand as a testament to courage, sacrifice and the enduring commitment of first responders to protect life. The legacy of the 343 firefighters lives on in firehouses across the nation and in the communities they served.
Never Forget.
Local Remembrance — York County, Pennsylvania
The spirit of service and sacrifice is not confined to a single place or moment. In York County, Pennsylvania, firefighters and emergency responders have long demonstrated the same dedication to their communities.
The York County History Center Fire Monument serves as a place of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Since the early 1900s, at least 40 firefighters and EMS responders from York County have lost their lives while serving their neighbors.
Their names, preserved on local memorials, represent generations of service, courage, and commitment. Each individual answered the same call: to protect others, regardless of the risk.
A Shared Brotherhood
Each year, members of the fire service and the community gather to reflect. These moments of remembrance honor not only those lost on September 11, but also the local responders who gave their lives in service.
Though separated by time and place, their stories are united by a shared purpose.
From New York City to York County, a common bond endures—a brotherhood defined by duty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others.
Share your memories of 9/11
David Maletz of our Visitor Engagement staff worked with the Collections Department to create a small case exhibit on display in the lobby of the History Center. Visitors are invited to share their reflections on this 25th anniversary of 9/11 by visiting the YourStory recording booths or taking a few minutes to fill out this simple form. This same form is also displayed as a QR code with the exhibit.