Andrew Harrison oral history interview conducted by Avalon Mason, October 8, 2014

About

On 9/11, Andrew was working at Rikers Island as a corrections officer. Smoke from the World Trade Center was visible from Rikers. As a precaution, Rikers Island was put on lockdown. That afternoon, Andrew went to the World Trade Center to help out. As he approached the site, he saw ashes everywhere and it was very dark and dusty. Andrew joined a crew of firemen and searched for anyone who was in distress. Numerous vehicles were crushed by debris. He went home to sleep for a few hours and returned to work at 5:00 am the next day and was sent back to Ground Zero. He worked twelve-hour shifts and continued working there until February. When he arrived at the site he was given no protective gear. He later was given a paper mask. He was focused on work and didn't consider any future health concerns that might arise. Andrew knew that he wasn't going to find any live bodies, and wasn't surprised when the situation switched from a rescue mission to a recovery effort. During the clean-up, the ironworkers and welders made crosses out of the buildings' steel beams. Because Andrew is a spiritual person, it helped him cope while responding. He doesn't like being called a hero for his work at the site. Andrew believes that the true heroes are military personnel.

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Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

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