Robert J. Treubert oral history interview conducted by Julie Broihier, October 14, 2010

About

Robert, an Air Force veteran with twenty-six years in the NYPD, served as the security supervisor of the JPMorgan Complex, located a few blocks from Ground Zero, during the 9/11 attacks. Observing the smoke and flames coming from the towers, Robert assembled his security team to evacuate employees from higher floors and search for suspicious items. Witnessing the collapse of the towers, he experienced the onslaught of smoke, which felt like "a sledgehammer." Hit by rocks and soot, Robert had difficulty breathing. Attempting to assist people on the street, he encountered another wave of smoke and debris when the second tower fell. Back inside, panic ensued among occupants and Robert did his best to reassure them. With limited communication, he managed a brief call to his wife, assuring her of his safety and uncertainty about returning home. Over the next days, Robert secured JPMorgan buildings, arranged for provisions, and monitored the situation. Walking to the pile, he marveled at the towers' disintegration. Crediting his upbringing and religious beliefs, he coped with stress, prioritizing others' safety and dismissing any hero label, acknowledging the collective efforts of people in the area as heroic. Witnessing a military tank on Wall Street was the scariest moment for Robert. It took one to two weeks to reopen buildings, clean soot, and inspect rooftops for remains. Secure zones were established, but fear lingered among employees, particularly those on upper floors.…

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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