Joseph L. Fusco oral history interview conducted by Laurel Gumpert, September 3, 2020

About

On 9/11, Joseph, an officer with the NYPD, was deployed to lower Manhattan to respond to the terrorist attacks. He and his colleagues took a charter boat into New York Harbor. Their duties included search and rescue efforts, securing buildings, and assisting firefighters. Joseph witnessed the collapse of Building 7, describing it as a surreal experience. Despite the chaos and danger, the primary focus was saving lives and helping people. Initially, concerns about dust and debris exposure were secondary to the urgent rescue efforts. Only later did the issue of protective gear become a consideration. Joseph continued working at Ground Zero for weeks, initially using painter's masks, and later being issued incorrect masks by the department. The air quality was consistently reported as "good," although it was a volatile and hazardous environment. As time passed, security measures at Ground Zero evolved, requiring more stringent protective gear for responders. Joseph also worked at the Staten Island landfill, where he sifted through debris, searching for remains and personal effects. This was a somber experience, as they came across bones, wedding rings, and other personal items. Joseph's experience responding to 9/11 has had long-lasting impacts on him, both psychologically and physically. The event initially brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and patriotism. However, over the years, the national sentiment has changed, with some negative shifts in public…

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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