Richard Bastidas oral history interview conducted by Julie Broihier, June 25, 2010

About

Richard is an NYPD detective in the forensics division. He lives on Long Island with his family. On the morning of September 11th he received a call from his brother, also an NYPD officer, alerting him of the attacks. As he watched the T.V., he quickly suspected terrorism and began to think of how difficult it would be for the fire fighters to contain the fires. He did not think the towers would collapse. Shortly after he was called into his command post and eventually to the site. The fire burning at the site reminded Richard of a volcano. It was very loud and very chaotic. NYPD's resources were maxed out and each officer was doing several jobs at once. He split his time between the bucket brigade and helping civilians. Altogether, Richard spent about six months at the site. He felt it was important to do his part. Richard lost a friend of his in the Emergency Service Unit and several work acquaintances. He attended several funerals and although he only knew the people casually, he could strongly relate to them and sympathize with their families. From this experience, Richard really counts his blessings. He takes the time to express how to his family how much he loves them. He is proud to be an American and holds on the spirit of those coming together to help during tragedy. He questions what is really important in life and what will bring him happiness. But he also questions what created so much hatred in the terrorists. The hatred is not temporary and until we change it…

Archive

Library of Congress, in Library of Congress

Licence or status

Rights statement at the Library of Congress, as the Library of Congress states it.

Credit

Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

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