'The Impact of That Day Is Something I Will Never Forget'

It's been 10 years since Islamic terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, causing a historic loss of life while simultaneously showing the world that even a superpower can be vulnerable. 

While our enemies abroad cheered in the streets and burned the American flag, our nation quickly united—rallying around reports of heroism and bravery on the part of the Fire Department of New York and other emergency responders.

After the dust had begun to settle, units from fire companies across America began to converge at Ground Zero, aiding in search and rescue and bringing with them much needed equipment and supplies. Among the volunteers was Towamencin Fire Marshal Kevin Pezzano—then a 20-year-veteran of the fire service.

"I made two trips to Ground Zero with supplies and equipment," said Pezzano. "The impact of that day is something I will never forget."

Like the rest of America, Pezzano watched the events of Sept. 11 unfold on television.

"I had just walked into my office when the first plane hit, and I was watching the news when the second plane hit," said Pezzano, who had a cousin working within the World Trade Center complex. "We didn't know his status immediately, and we didn't find out he was safe until the next day."

By the time Pezzano had confirmed his cousin's safety, nearly 350 firemen were dead, and many others were trapped under the immense rubble at Ground Zero.

"There were a number of FDNY firefighters and officers killed that I knew from training classes or through articles they had written," said Pezzano. "The fire service is a brotherhood, and while I did not personally know all 343 firefighters lost that day, their loss has impacted me."

Their loss impacted the rest of the nation, as well, as a newfound support for the fire service blossomed in the days following the tragic attacks.

"One of the biggest things I noticed right after the attacks is that society as a whole began to appreciate firefighters for what they do," said Pezzano. "I had been in the fire service 20 years when the attacks occurred, and while out one day, I actually had someone come up and thank me for being a firefighter."

As a result of the terror attacks—including numerous attempts that were thwarted by government agencies—many fire companies are now being trained to deal with terrorism, as well.

"There has been more training provided for emergency responders regarding response to terrorism, IED training, increased awareness training, etc," said Pezzano. "Many of the emergencies we prepared for prior to 9/11 were geared toward routine events, but now we have to look at every event as a possible terroristic act. We have to be on guard all the time."

In a disturbing trend, Pezzano sees the general public letting their guard down, opting for convenience instead of safety.

"The general public became more vigilant right after the attacks; however it seems as time has gone by, the security measures that have been implemented have been viewed as more of a nuisance," said Pezzano.  "I hear it every time I am in an airport—people complaining that they have to be screened, have their bags checked, and can't bring stuff on a plane, etc."

Instead, Pezzano wants to see the American public remain guarded, and he cites a recent failed attack to further his point.

"People need to realize that it is not a matter of if we are attacked again—but when," said Pezzano. "Vigilance can go a long way in thwarting attacks—just look at the recent attempted bombing in Times Square. Had someone not reported that, who knows what would have been the outcome?"

Regardless of the location of the next attack, it's important to know that the bravery and courage that was displayed by the FDNY on Sept. 11 is not exclusive to that department. Firefighters are in a unique group, where highs and lows are felt across the entirety of the fire service.

The only thing that separates them is location.