story8189.xml

story8189.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-29

I had just quit twenty one years of employment with the same firm as an electronics communication specialist. Partners had split...five years with the other partner going nowhere and someone hired to help me wanted my job. Opportunity came up with the NYC Transit Authority and I took it giving my employer notice and that my appointment would start September 17th. Second week of the interim between jobs contained September 11th....I drove into NY throgh the Tappan Zee Bridge, got my new car inspected in the Bronx, drove up to White Plains NY DMV to find it closed, back again to the Bronx to my girlfriend...unable to drive out by car...used my last subway token.

I truly did try to volunteer for emergency communications duty...telecom systems were scrambled...and I still had a mess to return a car to my old employer. Decided to make preparations for September 17th Subway School...fifty of us graduated...and one year later, most of us are together again. We are the new Car Inspectors of the NYCTA Car Equipment Division. Older guys, experienced, wiser and united as a team. We inspect, maintain and repair the subway fleet...providing transportation for five million passengers everyday. The BEST decision in my fourty eight year old life ever...I work for those souls lost upon September 11th as well as those who lost employment.

'We live for the One, we Die for the One and we don't die stupidly.' Serious and dangerous work...We are the Car Inspectors class of September 17th and the smouldering remains of WTC was in our face from the windows of the SubSchool at PS 248 in Brooklyn. Our contributions go unoticed...one year later, 911 observance was not held in proper respect. God Bless to all, CI Peter is OnTheJuice