story911.xml

story911.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-07-18

I was the Senior Operations Manager for NY Waterways. My office was in Hoboken. When I heard over my radio that a plane had hit the WTC I immediately headed out to our terminal at The World Financial Center. Whenever there is an incident in the area, (PATH breakdown, the last bombing of the WTC,) we get bombarded with riders. When I got to the terminal people were already streaming out toward the ferry. Many were quite panicked. My first thought, (though misguided in hindsight,) was to keep calm, and to establish a sense of normality. Normally when there is an incident we put out garbage cans and collect the tickets and cash up on land to keep the flow of people moving. So that is what I did. Unfortunately. I can't help but to think of all of those people who have a vision of me collecting cash on that horrible day. I just wanted to apologize to them, and to explain what I was trying to do. I feel horrible about it, and just want them to know that none of that money went to me. (I have frequently been mistaken for one of the owners.) I was just going along with normal procedures, trying to keep things orderly. If any of you reading this remember me, please accept my apology. At that time we were not yet aware of the seriousness of the situation.

Finally, a Police officer came over and told me to let the people on for free. I told him that I did not have that authority. He told me he did, and thereby authorized it. I thanked him profusely, and we went on to take over 150,000 people out of the city that day.

I would just like to add that on that day, I saw the true New York that everyone knows lies beneath the usual reputation. NYC became one big village that day. I was amazed at the calm and orderly evacuation. Think about that. The calm and orderly evacuation of NYC! We couldn't even get an orderly fire drill at my grammar school! New Yorkers really stepped up to the plate that day. I must admit, the kindest and most caring were the people we took over to BROOKLYN! Often given the worst rap for attitude, they were absolutely the best!
I Love New York, and we will all be better than ever, because of whom we are, inside.
Thank You 911 Digital Archives for allowing me to post this.