My story begins on August 31, 2001. On that Friday, I completed training at the FDNY Training Academy as a new member of my employer tactical hazmat response team; a group of volunteer employees who were well versed in the operational processes and equipment our company used. The team supported the emergency services sector (fire, police, EMS, etc.) in their response to major events in both preventive and actual response situations. My final partner that day was Richard M.; team founder and a well respected corporate leader. For the next 11 days, I lived a normal life - work, family, kids.

On the morning 9/11, I was at my desk on the 14th floor of corporate officers in Manhattan when someone said a plane had crashed into the Twin Towers. After some initial gazing out of windows, I had a feeling that this was going to be an “all hands” day and I made my way to the offices of the company president, whom I had worked for in several positions in years past. He was in his office alone …. I asked if there was anything he needed….. just about then we watched the first tower fall. What I remember next was his saying a statement so prophetic that it has stayed with me ever since. He turned to me and softly said….”Tony…..life in these United States has changed forever”. He asked me to reach out for several key personnel, including Richard. That begun hours of many people trying to find Rich…… Later we came to find out that he immediately responded to the CP at the Trade Center to be the company’s onsite lead.

For hours, his cell phone and beeper went unanswered….. we all knew but didn’t dare say it. About mid afternoon, Rich’s long time secretary was asked to stop calling; and she driven home.

I did not/could not go home until Thursday afternoon…..so many did not.

I have visited the WTC memorial numerous times…. And always stop at Rich’s name. To this day, I honor him and all those who passed that day, and since in the war on terrorism, being a proud American.