nmah5676.xml

nmah5676.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-09

On September 11th, 2001, my day started like any other day. Graduating from High school in June, i was still adjusting to my new work schedule and espcially getting up at 6 a.m. to be on time. I was employed at The Community Medical Center,a Level 2 Trauma Center in Northeast Pennsyalvania about two hours away from New York City. When i arrived at work that morning it was depressing to have to work inside and not be outiside enjoying the last bit of summer. I was the only Orderly on shift that morning and surpisingly i was having a wonderful day with only two or three tasks for me to completer until about 8:30 when the first transport for the Catherization lab came in. I Made my way to the Cath Lab on the Seconjd floor of the facility and was greated by my co-workers preparing for the first procedures of the day. As i was preparing a cot in the corner of the room, my day dreaming was interupted by the gasp of one of the Nurses stating she couldn't believe what was happeneing. Being a inquisitve 18 yr old i had to see for myself. I walked over to the small Tv that people had been watching and was automaticlly speechless. The view of thick black smoke billowing from the Trade Towers was UN-EXPLAINABLE!

Since i was 16 years old i have been a Volunteer Fireman and have always looked up to the Fireman and Paramedics of the FDNY. To the firefighting world in NEPA, FDNY was a the best fire department hands down in the United States. TRhe bravery that had been shown prior to 9/11 was already a major part of FDNY History and once again on 9/11 FDNY proved why they are the best. From that point on everytime I found myself responding to a fire call I thought of my 343 Brothers who never came back from the WTC Incident. There scarifice makes me feel privleged to be even called a fireman by my peers and makes my fight harder for the cuase we as fireman and other emergency workers(EMS and PD) strive for everyday.