Memories from Firefighter/Volunteer gatherings, New York City, 2001-2002

Fifteen years ago I was living in New York City when the World Trade Center attacks occurred. The following is taken from notes I wrote in 2001 and 2002, when I met and talked with firefighters who were working on the site, which they first referred to as “the pile”, and later called “the pit.”

I volunteered for the Red Cross in November 2001. We served meals at the Marriott World Financial Center, just south of the World Trade Center site, where meeting rooms were turned into rooms of food, recliners, and other amenities for the firefighters, construction workers and police … everyone working at the site.

The room was filled with letters and cards from kids and adults from around the world, that were sent to the rescuers. The rescue workers did sit and read them. Some wanted to talk, some looked like they just wanted some quiet.

When a firefighter dies, everyone goes to the funeral. Firefighters from Canada came to New York to help attend funerals.

Fireman Tom started organizing parties to thank the volunteers, having firefighters and volunteers meet at bars and pubs around the World Trade Center, giving business to the local bar owners who were suffering. For many months, I attended these casual fireman/volunteer gatherings, having a beer and talking with the firefighters. I had written down some of the pub’s names: Brady’s, Rosie’s, Suspenders, The Roadhouse. Don’t know if any are still in the neighborhood, 15 years later.

Talking to an older battalion chief, I was asking what they were going through, and what he did when he wasn’t fighting fires. He talked about his sailboat that he keeps out on Long Island, and he likes to go out alone on his boat for peace and quiet.  He talked about what they were finding, and I said I was interested to hear about it, but if he didn’t want to talk about it, that was okay.  He said, no, it’s probably better I talk to you about it rather than bringing it home and telling my wife and kids about it. I was glad I could be of some little help.

I remember hoping these guys find someone to talk to. Several told me they don’t talk to their wives or families about what they are seeing and going through. They don’t want to burden them.

Young firefighter was in his car, not working that morning. Turned around, headed back in to grab his gear and go help. In the Bronx, he ran into traffic, and had a hard time getting into Manhattan, as they weren’t letting people in. He showed his badge, and got in. He got stuck in traffic for around 10 minutes. He finally got downtown, grabbed his gear at the firehouse, and was running down towards the burning towers. He was several blocks away when the first tower fell.  All he kept thinking was if it hadn’t been for the traffic jam, he’d be in the tower by now.

Fireman was in his back yard, on 9/11, getting ready to paint his house, a beautiful morning, when he got a call, and… now, months later, he felt it was stupid, but he’s afraid on a nice morning, to go back out to his yard and get ready to paint.  I assured him that wasn’t stupid.

One man said their firehouse lost 7 firefighters, and had only found a few remains. One man was identified, they found his leg and recognized the tattoo on his leg.

Retired firefighters looking for their sons.

One firefighter lost 21 friends, and many more acquaintances.

Very soon, all they were finding were bones.  Raking through the dirt looking for bones.

The firefighters I met were tough, blue-collar type guys, with a love for their work, a positive spirit; they’re there to help people, to put out fires.

I have often wondered if it’s testosterone that causes men to often get some sort of adrenaline rush from charging into battle, wars, violence. But firefighters apply that drive for good, they run into burning buildings, charging into a fire, running into battle, but to help people, to save people, not to hurt people.

One said, a good day is when you have fires to go to and take care of. It’s a bad day for the homeowners, but a good day if you’re a fireman.

One loves working in the poorer neighborhoods, because the neighbors really know them, they get calls for help by lots of neighbors… and more fires to help with.

I don’t remember exactly what we were laughing and joking about, but with self-deprecating humor, one fireman told me, “Well, they call us New York’s Bravest, not New York’s Smartest.”

I asked one young firefighter, on your one day off, will you rest? No, he was going to Vermont, to go skateboarding.

I danced with a firefighter who was a good dancer... he may have had a few too many beers, but the other guys seemed to look out for him and make sure he was okay.

So many of them really love their jobs. They can’t think of anything they’d rather be doing.  One fireman said, all he ever wanted to be was either a policeman, a fireman or a cowboy.  He started studying to be a cop, didn’t like it, switched to firefighting, loves it.  “As far as the cowboy thing, I listen to country music, so I figure I’m covered.”  I guess if you live in NYC and want to be a cowboy, listening to country music is the closest you can get.

Most firefighters work other jobs, mostly construction.  We decided, if you are going to build a house, you may want to check your local firehouse, you’re likely to find carpenters, framers, masons ... many crafts are represented.

The firefighters told me, the towers fell to the west, and twisted slightly as they fell, so for example, the north stairwell would be found facing a completely different direction. 

The south tower fell into the Marriott World Trade Center, which had been evacuated, but people died in that building when the south tower fell on it. I later met a man who had worked at that Marriott. His boss was out of the building, but went back in to make sure everyone got out safely. He did not survive.

I remember when the EPA announced within mere days that the air was perfectly safe to breathe down there. There is no way that could be true. That smell in the air of burnt plastic and electrical, with a weird smell of powdered concrete persisted for months. Sometimes even many blocks uptown, the subway door would open, and there was that smell. Ugh. It was awful.

Every year in September, I do not need to be told to “Remember” or “Never Forget” the events of September 11th. I was there. It’s still difficult to see World Trade Center images, and I think that will always be true.

AYCJ - Day 13 - Last full day in NYC

photo: sunset on the Hudson River

Sunday, September 19 - Day 13 of my 30-day JetBlue All You Can Jet Adventure

It has been interesting finding time to write this blog as I travel. In a place like New York City, you are on foot and often have to carry around on your back (or in your shoulder bag) everything you need for the day. Some days I elected to leave the laptop at home (my bag was SO much lighter!). And on the days with the laptop, I looked for a Starbucks, or an equivalent "free WiFi" spot, the trick was finding one with space to sit and work. I know this isn't a serious problem in the general scheme of things, but, it's been interesting, searching for WiFi places, something I hadn't spent that much time doing before this.

But it's Sunday now, my last day in New York City before I take off for the rest of my 30-days of travel. At lunch time I walk from Manhattan's west side over to midtown to catch the N Train Subway to Astoria, Queens. There I meet my friend Jeanne and we enjoy a lovely Thai food lunch. We met when we both worked at CBS, and lived a block from each other in Astoria for awhile. It was nice to visit for a little while and catch up.

I lived in Astoria for several years, and always thought it as a good option for those of us who could no longer afford to live in Manhattan. It's a quick subway ride away from midtown Manhattan and is less expensive. Apparently Astoria has gotten more popular in recent years, new buildings have gone up, more people have moved there... and I guess some prices have gone up too, so it may not be as affordable as before, but then what is?

The five boroughs that make up New York City are: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. When you live in one borough, you often don't get to many, if any of the others. But in my NYC week, I made it to all 5 boroughs. It's true that in Staten Island I only saw the Ferry Terminal, where I exited one ferry and waited for the next outbound ferry. And for Queens, if you land at either JFK or LaGuardia airport, you have been to Queens. But today's lunch in Astoria meant I visited Queens for more than just the airports. (And with a couple connecting flights through JFK yet to come in the next 2 weeks, I'll be in Queens again!)

After lunch I returned to Manhattan, and walked through a great (or not so great, depending on your point of view) NYC tradition.... The Street Fair! Every Saturday and Sunday, for much of the year, various streets and avenues are shut down to traffic so a variety of vendors can sell their wares. If you're looking for something the vendors are offering, it's a good thing. If you're in traffic that is stopped because the blocks have been shut down... it's not such a good thing. This one was on 8th Avenue, from about 47th to 57th Streets. My favorite cheap fast snack at Street Fairs used to be a skewer of chicken sate at the Thai food stands, for $1. It's very possible that price has gone up, but I forgot to check, so don't quote me on it ... I may be very out of date.

Returning to Richard and Arnold's, we took a nice walk over to the Hudson River. They've done a great job of fixing up the waterfront all along the Hudson. We walked around an area around West 46th Street, that has nice play areas, walking and biking areas, benches, a dog playground that was fun to watch, a restaurant, it was great. I was a bit anxious to get back, so I could repack everything and get ready for tomorrow's travel day.

New York can be crowded, aggravating, annoying, frustrating. But it is like no other place. And to finish the song I started in the headlines a few days back... New York, New York, it's a wonderful town!

Day 12 of 30 days on JetBlue - Another NYC rooftop

Saturday, September 18 - Day 12 of my 30-day JetBlue All You Can Jet Adventure.

Morning starts a bit slowly and not too early in the Bronx, which is how I like it, with a lovely breakfast (Bonnie even made pumpkin muffins -- She really should open a B&B). From the Bronx, I take a bus to the D train (subway), switch to the A train, and came up at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. With one more day left on my 7-day MetroCard pass, I have already gotten more than my $27 worth, swiping the card on subways and buses all over the city this week... sometimes even on subways I hadn't planned on taking... (see yesterday)

I walked over to my friend Arnold's millinery studio (he makes hats and other cool things for theatrical productions), where it's always interesting to see what they're working on. Together we walked to his and Richard's home on Manhattan's west side, in an area called Hell's Kitchen. I believe I've heard the history behind that name... or are there competing stories about how this area got that name? If I stop now and research it, I'll never catch up on this blog! So, if you know where Hell's Kitchen got its name, leave it in the comments, and we'll all learn something!

We went to the rooftop of their building around sunset time, and enjoyed the evening air and the beautiful view of the city, as all the lights came on, under an almost full moon. It's an ever-changing view, because, well, they keep building new buildings, which block out the view of the older buildings. But that's life I guess, things just keep on changing.

So, another good day, running around, and spending time with friends

AYCJ Day 11, Friday in NYC - Oh the subways

Friday, Sept 17 - Day 11 in my 30 days of travel with JetBlue's AYCJ pass.

photos: NYC rooftop gardens and Sunset over Hudson River

It appears I'm a few days behind in my blogging, so I'll be sure there's a date at the beginning of each post to show which day I'm reporting on. Now let's see if I can catch up... Friday, Sept. 17, in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

Friday was a perfect example of how wonderful the NYC subways are .... when they are working. But when the subway that you are counting on is shut down for any reason, life in New York can be positively hellish.

My plan to move my 30 pound suitcase into Manhattan from Brooklyn began innocently enough. I had been staying in Brooklyn with my friend Todd, and he offered to help me move said luggage. This may be the last time he ever offers such a thing. The plan was take the G train to the E train, and a walk on the street to our target destination. There were stairs to maneuver along the way, but when we left the G train for the E train, it all went horribly wrong. The E train was sitting there, with subway employees saying that there was a sick passenger onboard the train, they were waiting for EMT to arrive, and there was no way to know how long it would take.

When this happens, there is always an alternative, but it's not always easy. We had to go up stairs to a street in Queens, walk down a block, across a street, and further up more stairs to an elevated track for the 7 train. A detour like this is bad enough, but with luggage... it's really not fun at all. Many people made this trek, others with luggage too, trying to get into Manhattan. I heard two women talking about the sick passenger, who said, "I don't know, he didn't look THAT sick to me."

In this situation, it would be good to remember that if we were that sick passenger, we would indeed be glad that the subway employees would wait with us until help arrives, but when you're trudging around to an alternative train station, and it's costing you time and aggravation, it's hard to stay in a generous frame of mind.

We finally made it. But it was hot and exhausting.

Later in the day, I joined my friends Maryann and Bonnie, at Judy's apartment near 14th Street to catch up, since we hadn't all been together for years. Judy wanted to have a little something for us to snack on, so she had a great inexpensive NY idea for appetizers. She went to her corner pizza place, bought a couple slices, brought them home, cut them in small bite-size pieces, heated them up, and voila! Snacks!

Her building has a fabulous roof deck, on about the 22nd floor. Living in NYC made me a big believer in roof decks, or roof gardens. Why don't more places utilize their roof space? We enjoyed the view as the sun set over the Hudson River. (well, over New Jersey really.) And though we didn't have a lot of time to spend together, it was great to see everyone.

Then Maryann, Bonnie and I walked to another subway and headed to the Bronx. About halfway there, that subway train stopped, they told us to all exit the train, and wait on the platform for the next train to arrive. I'm still not sure why. Must have just been my subway karma for the day. But we finally got to our destination. Bonnie and Maryann live in the same apartment building there, and we had a slumber party! I like the idea of a grown up slumber party, where you can eat chinese food, drink wine, stay up too late talking and laughing, and no one has to head home till morning. So that's what we did.

It was another full, fun day, in spite of a bit of subway drama. In NYC, you can't let little things like out-of-service subways stop you, you just have to keep going. That's why some days in NYC are more jam-packed and fun-filled than others.

AYCJ - Day 10 - New York New York

It's Day 10, Thursday, September 16 on my 30-day JetBlue All You Can Jet Travel Adventure. Today was Art and Italian food in New York.

I realize at this point in the trip that not only is my sleep schedule a bit confused, but my eating schedule is as well. When traveling one often does not eat the same foods one eats when home, so it will be interesting how 30 days of this works out. It's Day 10, one-third of the way through.

After sleeping in, at my friend Todd's place in Brooklyn, we both headed into Manhattan to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). I was going to wait for "free day", which is Fridays after 4pm, but... Todd is a member, so I went as his guest and we enjoyed a wonderful Matisse exhibition. We walked around the entire museum, sat out in the Sculpture Garden for awhile, until the rains came. It was a big storm, wind, rain, and I heard that a tornado may have actually come through the city. We hid inside MOMA until it slowed to a drizzle.

About museums, I know some people don't think of going to museums when traveling, but what I like about them is that, if you're looking at an original painting or sculpture from a museum's collection, that is the only place you'll see that particular work. There are traveling exhibitions with works borrowed from other museums, but it's one of the few things left that is unique to a location. In most big cities, the major stores you see are all the same no matter what city you're in. It all looks like the same mall, no matter where you are. But Art and other Exhibits in local museums are mostly unique to that place, so that's why I enjoy finding interesting museums in new places.

In a museum, after walking around for awhile, you can get to information overload, where you're seen so much, it's hard to digest what you're looking at. At that point, I like to just keep walking and wander around the rest of the galleries, pausing when something catches my eye, for whatever reason. You can discover interesting works that way.

We walked around midtown, to the west side, and had Italian food at Amarone's on 9th Avenue. I love Italian food so it's always a good option for me. And a friend used to have his Christmas Eve dinners there when I lived in NYC, so I knew it would be good. Some pasta and wine, for a delicious end to a stormy day.

AYCJ - Day 9 - The People Ride in a Hole in the Ground

Day 9 - Wedneday, September 15, in JetBlue's All You Can Jet 30-day travel adventure -- more NYC adventures.

Photo: Staten Island Ferry, NYC skyline

This was a day when I'm better off traveling alone, because I walked and walked and walked all day long, covered a lot of ground.

Started with a nice breakfast in Brooklyn, with my current friend/host Todd, who is letting me stay at his place for a few nights. Then onward to the Brooklyn Museum. I wanted to see the exhibition for Abdi, who won the Work Of Art competition on Bravo TV, which I wrote about previously in this blog. There are about a dozen of his pieces there, I really like his work. Walked around the museum seeing their other collections, they have some interesting things there.

Got back on the subway into lower Manhattan, walked over to the Smithsonian American Indian Museum, a free museum that I always enjoy walking around and seeing what they have. Their main collection moved to Washington DC when the museum opened there, but they still have interesting collections.

As I walked outside, I saw the Staten Island Ferry... so I decided to take a boat ride. It's free, and takes about 25 minutes each way. You have to get out in Staten Island and wait for the next ferry returning to Manhattan, so figure about 1 1/2 hours to complete this trip. It was a beautiful afternoon.

After returning to Manhattan, I walked along the Hudson River, in Battery Park City, a lovely place for a walk in NYC. There's a lot of construction happening around the World Trade Center, apparently things are starting to progress on new buildings there.

Took the subway up to Soho, to a gallery that a friend recommended. It was almost closing time, but I walked around and looked at some interesting drawings. Then subway again, up to midtown, checked out what used to be the Revlon employee's store, for discounted cosmetics. It's now a store on 39th Street where they sell cosmetics, either last year's colors, or overruns I think. I looked around, but all I could think of was... more stuff to carry around! So I didn't buy anything.

For dinner, I went to Kennedy's pub on W. 57th Street. A good Irish Pub in NYC is a great place to go for dinner at the bar. It wasn't too loud in there, there was a spot at the end of the bar. I ordered delicious fish and chips and a beer, and had great conversations with others at the bar. It was a great end to a very busy day, and I was tired! You can stay in good shape walking around NYC, without even realizing it. Miles and miles and miles you can walk, and lots to see along the way.

AYCJ - Day 8 - the Bronx is up and the Battery's down

It's the 8th Day on my 30-day JetBlue All You Can Jet Adventure, and there will be several days in New York City ...

Photo: Statue of Liberty

Today I found my way to Brooklyn with my luggage for the next few nights of lodging. More subways, more stairs, but somehow I pulled through.

Then back to Manhattan for some karaoke action! A few friends, mostly from a singing class years ago, gathered to sing at Carrie's apartment. Reiko, Eleanor, Lydia, Carrie and I may have talked more than sang, but that's good too. And you haven't lived until you hear women of a certain age singing Tom Jones songs... It was nice to catch up with old friends.

Then I headed out and walked into midtown, by Rockefeller Center, and into Times Square. When I lived here, I used to occasionally walk into Times Square just to see what new signs and lights were up. It's so packed with people, I remembered why NYC residents rarely go near Times Square, unless they're going to see a show. You especially don't want to be there when the shows get out... in the early evening on matinee day, or any night around 10:30pm. The crowds are mind-boggling. But Times Square is a unique place, full of activity and energy. I quickly got to the point of ... okay, I saw Times Square... now let's get out of here!

I jumped on a subway to go from Times Square (42nd St) down to Union Square (14th St) and an express train was just pulling up. This is a wonderful thing, once you figure the trains out. The express trains only stop at the big major streets, so you can save travel time if you know what you're doing, and you don't see the street you want whizzing by as the train passes it! So the train stopped only at 34th Street, then 14th Street. I traveled 28 blocks in just a few minutes. The subway can be a wonderful thing... when it's working... and going where you want... and especially when there are escalators...

I learned today that Cosi Sandwich places have free WiFi. So, I've just finished my lentil soup, club sandwich, decaf and chips, and I'm writing this post. Tonight it's off to Brooklyn, then I have to figure out how to organize my next few days' activities. So much time, so little to do. No wait. Strike that. Reverse it.

AYCJ - Day 7 - New York New York, it's a wonderful town

Day 7 on the JetBlue 30-day All You Can Jet Adventure, and it's time for New York City!

Photo: Times Square

Taking the Air Train in from JFK to the E Train (subway) is relatively easy, I've done it before, and there are even several escalators along the way (hurray). A few places with stairs, but you can't have everything.

At the O'Hare JetBlue terminal, I met some other AYCJ adventurers, and we compared notes on where we've been so far, so that was fun to see what people are doing and planning.

I have loaded some of the photos from my camera to my laptop, but I have figured out one potential issue with blogging from the road. Finding WiFi locations where I can spend lots of time blogging, adding photos, etc. Currently... I'm at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue.... shhhh, don't tell them. Wonder how long I can stand here writing my blog, using their WiFi, before they ask me what I'm doing. I think this store location is open 24 hours... Can that be possible? There are 3 or 4 gazillion people in here right now, it's quite amazing... and loud.

But I'm in New York City, where I lived for 11 years, several years ago, so it will be a good time to see old friends and catch up. My first stop is with my friend, Carrie, who I met in a singing class at the Y years ago. She is graciously letting me land on her couch for a night. And tomorrow, we have an afternoon karaoke session scheduled, in her apartment. A few other friends will come by so that will be fun.

Tomorrow my plan is to stay with a friend in Brooklyn for a few nights. That means hitting the subway with my luggage again... (sigh)... such is the glamourous travel life I am leading! I could splurge on a cab I guess, but... trying to be frugal! And I just bought my MetroCard.

That's the first thing I did, right off the JFK AirTrain and I recommend it for anyone visiting NYC. Get an unlimited MetroCard. My 7 day card (good for 7 days from when you first use it) was $27, and it will be worth every penny. I can use it on any bus or subway for the next week, as much as I want. You can also purchase cards that deduct for every subway or bus ride you take ($2.25), but it's just annoying trying to keep track of that. With the unlimited card, just swipe and go. Swipe and go. Swipe and go.

May write more later. And I will be adding photos to posts one of these days. I don't think I can stand here typing much longer ... people seem to be stopping and looking over my shoulder... probably should go. Thanks, Apple. Hey, and thanks, Big Apple!