The following is a retrospective on the 9/11 attacks written by Manitowoc Fire Chief Todd Blaser.
September 11, 2001. I was a Lieutenant with the Pleasant Prairie Fire Rescue Department.
I remember clearly we just were finishing our shift change meeting and the news reports began to come in regarding a plane striking one of the towers in New York City. Watching news feeds of New York Firefighters and Police Officers responding to the incident and imaging what a nightmare it must be to deal with such an incident.
It wasn’t much longer that the tragedy grew with the second tower being struck by another plane. At this point, we all began to question why such a deliberate act.
Our concern was quickly diverted to a more regional concern of information of additional planes not being accounted for.
Tragedy struck the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville PA.
Manitowoc Fire Chief Todd Blaser
As efforts continued to mitigate these tragedies it was difficult to sit idle and feel helpless while watching the efforts of those involved with saving lives and protecting property as they took an oath to perform.
From that point forward I experienced many different emotions from anger to grief for all those involved and their families.
The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks upon the United States on September 11, 2001.
The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences.
It was the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States.
