Mark oral history interview conducted by Allison Brons, July 13, 2010

About

September 11th destroyed Mark both physically and emotionally. Before the event he was engaged, ready to start a family, and working as a ballistic and integrity specialist with the NYPD. He was responsible for testing officer's equipment to ensure their safety. Now, nearly ten years later, he is single, living with his parents, and disabled. He suffers from PTSD, severe depression, obstructive lung disease, migraines, and more all as a result of his time at Ground Zero. Although he doesn't remember much, Mark knows he was caught in the collapse and recalls the dust and confusion. He worked at the site for six months primarily transporting fuel and diesel to other agencies. A few days after the event, he remembers hearing what sounded like gunshots. He is bothered by the fact that he will never know if this sound was the fire getting to the bullets hidden in the debris or if it was trapped officers giving up. Mark was uneasy about the thoughts and feelings he was having so he began to self-medicate with alcohol. He lost his fiancé and friends because he was not emotionally available to others. Around anniversaries he is self-destructive and his family worries. His only solace is martial arts. Although he is physically unable to do most things, he says his dojo instructor is helpful. His instructor listens to him and can calm him down. Mark feels the government is doing a good job at preventing other incidents from happening. But Mark hopes people don't forget the responders…

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.

Rights statement

The rights in this collection held by Benjamin Luft are governed by copyright for the full duration under U.S. copyright law. While the collection is still under copyright, patrons may make only verbatim use of the work. The creation of derivative works is not permitted. Third party rights may be governed by copyright or other restrictions. The Library of Congress is providing access to these materials strictly for educational and research purposes. The written permission of the copyright owner and/or other holders of rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. See our Legal Notices…

Credit

Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

Who can watch

The archive gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Teens profiles and older, judged from its collection and subjects. How films are placed