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

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…

- Kind: Interview
- Year: 2020
- Runtime: 38 min
- By: Gumpert, Laurel
- Genres: History
- Archive: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2015048_459/)
- Licence or status: Rights statement at the Library of Congress (as the archive states it)
- Credit: Library of Congress
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/loc/afc2015048_459?play=1)