Tag Archives: FDNY

September 11th 2020 – 19 years later.

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As we reflect on one of the darkest days in our country’s history, we remain thankful for the sacrifices and determination of everyone involved.

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2001 was almost two decades ago. Whoa.

Many have asked what I was doing on September 11th. You can read about it here.

Proud to have worked to support FDNY after the attacks primarily serving at 44 Engine in Midtown Manhattan.

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We dug at the pit but sad that our crew didn’t find a body to return to the families that lost everything.

Regardless of time, all Firefighters are proud to honor each of the fallen.

My 343 Brother Firefighters who died in the line of duty will never be forgotten.

Sign at FDNY Engine 10 Ladder 10 house "FDNY WAY, WAY BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY"

Tacked on the wall at 10s house

Fast forward to 2020, and we’re all having a rough year. But we as a nation must come together.

While it seems bad right now, we will persevere and overcome these challenges.

We will recover and rebuild because we’ve done it before. Trust me, I’ve been in One World Trade and it’s wonderful in there. Special thanks to my friends at FEMA Region II.

Delia and Kevin at FEMA Region-2

Thanks to Delia and the crew at FEMA Region-2!

…and the views was spectacular.

View of the Hudson River looking east from One World Trade Center

Statue of Liberty (south view) from One World Trade.

The view of West Street (north view) from One World Trade.

However, we will never forget the sacrifices heroes have paid for these freedoms we enjoy. At the base, of One World Trade sits the daily reminder – two incredible tributes to the victims of the September 11th attacks from the former WTCs.

Part of the September 11th Memorial in NYC.

Our colors don’t run. Our fight for freedom will will never waiver.

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We has never been shy about being in front and fighting for what’s right. As you know, our nation has gone to the ends of the earth to ensure safety…and we hope to continue this Herculean effort to protect freedoms for decades to come.

“…and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…”

America the beautiful, my home of the brave.

@rusnivek

September 11th – 17 years later

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Every year, I share one picture from September 11.

I took this particular picture because it is the home of Engine-10 and Ladder-10 who’s station sits in the shadow of the former World Trade Center. Yes, that’s right – directly next to the World Trade Center.

I remember digging at the pile with my fellow FDNY Brother Firefighters in the pile searching for something. I really wish we had found something significant to give to any family member. When I look back, I struggle with that particular memory.

So take some time out of your day to think about Firefighters and others who lost their lives on that day. No doubt, America continues to heal 17 years later.

Also, 2018, take some time to think about those public safety pros headed into harms way to ensure safety for those in the path of so many deadly hurricanes.

Yes, we will never forget the sacrifices.

We will always continue to fight the good fight.

America the beautiful, my home of the brave.

@rusnivek

My favorite Superbowl commercials? #SB52

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My favorite commercials from the Superbowl last night?

Thank you Budweiser.

(But what about the US Virgin Islands?)

Also, thank you Verizon for that breathtaking 1991 image of heroism and call to duty by FDNY Rescue-1 Firefighter Shea.

Trust me, every single #Firefighter worth their weight, knows this image and the events leading up to this.

Me? I am glad to be a small part of organizations and agencies that continue the good fight to provide safety to countless citizens. I am humbled by these companies that took the focus from their “widget” and turned the attention to those who have dedicated their life to serve.

Thank you.

@rusnivek

P.S. Good football game too.

15 years later and we never forget. Never. #NatlPrep #PrepareAthon

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2016 National Preparedness Month – but on this September 11th, 2016 we should all pause and remember those who have fallen for this great country.

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Like many other Firefighters, I did my share at FDNY with the lads at 44 Engine.

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Outstanding memories.

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15 years later, I hope the memory does not fade from anyone’s mind.

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As a country, we will always sacrifice for those in need.

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Because our nation will never fail. #Freedom

Never forget.

@rusnivek

 

Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

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Solemn day in this second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#11: Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

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Do it….Get to know your local emergency services.

For those of you who have written plans, please share them with your local emergency services. Take your kids to the Fire Stations, Police Stations, and EMS Stations…teach them the importance of these essential services who will be first on the scene during an emergency.

Teach your kids how to call 9-1-1. Teach them that help will always be there.

And yes, it is your steadfast preparedness efforts that greatly contribute to the readiness of the US.

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So take a moment today to reflect on one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of the US. As a country, we will never stray from the freedoms that allow us to be the home of the brave.

I have sad, but great memories of my time at Ground Zero.

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I’m honored to have been a part of this effort at the WTC.

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I witnessed the resolve and resilience of everyone in New York City and across this great nation. This fierce American spirit should remind each of us of the importance of our disaster work we do every day.

I believe everyone in the world can remember what they were doing when they heard the news of the attacks in 2001. And now more than ever, we must take the steps to ensure our freedoms continue to ring for every single American.

Please honor those Firefighters and countless other heroes who have given their lives for our great nation.

Never give up. Never forget.

BxQNPuRIAAATzLu

@rusnivek

 

 

Remembering September 11th #September11 #NeverForget

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I remember it clearly on September 11, 2001. I received a call from Cleveland Hopkins Airport Officials notifying me that Cleveland Center – Air Traffic Control (ATC) has identified United Airlines Flight-93. UAL Flight-93 was making the turn over Cleveland airspace…

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Since the September 11th attacks, we have seen exceptional models of response and preparedness all around us. We will remember the heroism and dedicate our commitment to preparedness for thousands of people under our protection.

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Remember those lost.

Honor those who saved.

Continued vigilance is only path to our American Freedoms.

@rusnivek