TRIBUTE TO THE RESCUERS
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How about an update straight from the front lines:
My girlfriend's ex-husband is a NYC firefighter, one of the first to
arrive on the scene. Last night, after a long two-day shift, he came
by to pick up his daughter. He outwardly is keeping his spirits up,
for the sake if his 6 year old, but while he spoke about the tragedy
his eyes told a different story altogether.
His company was one of the first to arrive on the scene. Mind you, the buildings were still standing, then. He and his comrades were scrambling to get into the carnage to get people out. He was in the second tower while the first one came down. He knew some of the men from his company were in there.
The smoke and dust created by the collapse was so thick, it was like
the sun disappeared. Hard to breathe, debris and glass flying
everywhere. Still, these brave men went TOWARDS the collapsed
building. He lost four close friends in that instant. Many more
fellow firefighters and police and emt personnel. To say nothing of
the amounts of civilians.
They had no time to stand around and cry. They had too much to do.
After the second tower came down, they were faced with an even more
daunting task of looking for survivors. Still, the smoke and dust is
so thick they can hardly see. And still, they go forward. There are
still some buildings in the immediate area that are questionable and
will most likely collapse as well. But they still look for survivors.
The bravery of these people goes beyond words. I told him last night
how proud we all are of him and all the rescue workers. He then jumped
back into his car (after dropping his daughter off) and headed straight
back to work. The fire departments went to a 24 on/24 off schedule,
but most of them sleep on cots, outside, during their 24 off. Then
work when they're not sleeping. Breathing in that crap (which is laden
with asbestos, by the way).
From my own perspective, the two family members I have that work in the
area are both fine, thank God. But I've lived here all of my life. I
know a DOZEN or so police and firefighters from the city. I don't know
the fate of most of them, but I pray...
I work in N.J., close enough to see the skyline every day on my way to
work. There's a big hole in the skyline now. I still can't believe
it's gone. From where I work, when word of the first crash got around,
many people went on rooftops, and the top level of the parking garages.
We watched the smoke billow out of the first tower hit. Then we
watched the second jet fly into the second building. Total disbelief.
Not a sound uttered from anyone, except sobs.
Our company (very large) sent our rescue crews, emt's firefighters and
equipment to the scene. Don't know when they'll be back.
Despite the imperfections of our country, the differences in beliefs
(political and others...) I would choose nowhere else to live. When
things get toughest, we stand stronger. We will NOT let those who
perished die in vain. There will always be nay-sayers and malcontents
but hey - it's the price we pay for living in a free society.
One last time, I wish to applaude the bravery of every person involved
in the rescue effort. It really goes beyond words.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
