Photos of 9/11

[grumpyff 1,159]

As many of you know, I am a New York City Police Officer. During 9/11 I was assigned to Transit Manhattan Task Force, and had just returned to the 4th platoon (1930 x 0405 hours), with rotating days off. September 10,11,12 were to be my first three day 'swing', since in the prior 7 months I worked 2200 x 0635 hours with steady days off focused mainly on pickpockets in and around Chambers St. on the E train. Most nights were spent underneath and inside of the World Trade Center subway stations chasing various degenerates. The attacks hit close to home, both in the areas that I worked, and people I knew. The following photos I took over the span of three days from 9/13 to 9/16, either while working (first few in the dark) and later on my own time in between digging and passing buckets. I had a poll on EMTBravo about 2 years ago, but I just didn't feel right in posting them then. I don't think I have looked at these photos in almost 2 years, as these images/memories are forever with me. I recently looked at this album with my now 16 year old son, who has joined the local fire department and shown great interest in the fire department, and all the learning that comes with it. He was only 6 and in First grade when the attacks occurred. He has some memories, but had no clue as to what I and thousands of others endured in those dark days. I am posting these photos now for the younger members, who like my son only get to see a few quick glimpses that the media shows, and others who were unable to make it down to the Pile. Please take some time in the next few days to remember the men and women who rode in these rigs, responded to the call for help, and gave their all. Also keep in mind those of us that have been effected both physically and emotionally by this. Never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Keep an eye on your brothers and sisters after crappy jobs. It doesn't always hit you or them right away. Personally it took about a year to for the worst of it to hit me, and finally force me to seek help for the depression/PTSD that had set in.

Thank you,

Kurt Von Dietsch

Edited September 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

The first night Lower Manhattan was without power and phone service. Flat bed trailers were already arriving with large construction equipment.

A few tents were set up in front of WTC 5 as a command post

[grumpyff 1,159]

The remains of WTC 4? and the South Tower

The outside shell of one of the towers on Church St

Edited September 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

The front of the Deutsche Bank and part the South Tower facade

Standing on Liberty St.

[grumpyff 1,159]

The front Engine 10/Ladder 10 being used as a tool locker

Thick smoke/ dust still in the air as the sun rises on 9/15

Edited September 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

another view from Liberty St

Cranes beginning to set up on West St.

[grumpyff 1,159]

West St and Vessey

[grumpyff 1,159]

Looking south on West St

Edited September 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

Just off West St. FDNY began to collect apparatus destroyed or damaged in the collapse. FDNY mechanics were tasked to determined what rigs were what.

Ladder 3 and the High Rise Unit on its side

The rear of Ladder 3

[grumpyff 1,159]

Engine 1

Mechanics looking for serial numbers to identify the remains, possibly Rescue 1

[grumpyff 1,159]

Engine 6, which now resides in the NYS State Museum in Albany, NY

[grumpyff 1,159]

101

An unknown, possibly an Engine on West St.

[grumpyff 1,159]

Ladder 18.

[grumpyff 1,159]

Dey St.

An FDNY reserve tower ladder pressed into service on the south side of the site

[grumpyff 1,159]

The pedestrian bridge over West St.

Removing cars and debris

[grumpyff 1,159]

Forming a bucket brigade

[grumpyff 1,159]

Waiting while a body was recovered in the distance

[grumpyff 1,159]

Remains of the Vista Hotel

WTC 7

[grumpyff 1,159]

An Unknown tower ladder awaiting recovery on West St.

Last photo, the Flag being flown in the wreckage of WTC 6, the Customs House

[PFDRes47cue 653]

Thank you Kurt. God Bless!

[grumpyff 1,159]

I posted these photos today, as I will be working tonight, into tomorrow morning. They were all taken with the cheap disposable 35mm cameras that were popular before digital cameras.

To all my brothers and sisters working in the next few days, either in PD, FD, or EMS stay safe, and keep your eyes and ears open.

Fidelis Ad Mortem.

[JBE 328]

Great shots, buddy. I didn't go down there till nearly three years had passed. I won't go down there unless I have to. Everybody out there on the road or behind a desk tomorrow, stay safe.

[dc2t 80]

9/14/2001

photo by Tom Monister Daily News

[Guest Photounit]

Kurt, Thanks for posting these.... Be safe out there!

[JScott128 41]

I also have photos from 9/11/01, I don't want to hijack this thread, I can post them here if you want or start a new thread. Stay safe out there!

Scott

[grumpyff 1,159]

Scott,

I would have no problem if you posted your photos in this thread.

[JScott128 41]

Scott,

I would have no problem if you posted your photos in this thread.

Thanks Kurt. I am a police officer in NJ, and on 9/11/01, myself and 3 other officers from my PD went to Ground Zero just after both towers fell. I grabbed a disposable camera before going down there, these are the pics I took.

[JScott128 41]

Ground Zero, 9/11/01.

Scott

[JScott128 41]

Ground Zero, 9/11/01.

Scott

[JScott128 41]

Ground Zero, 9/11/01

Scott