The bravery and self lessness of 9/11 firefighters are stories that will never be forgotten. They put their own lives at risk to save others, without any expectation of reward or recognition. This extraordinary courage has been captured in a variety of documentaries about those who were on the front lines of the tragedy. From tales of heroism and survival to heart-rending accounts of loss and grief, these documentaries highlight the selfless courage of 9/11 firefighters and the pain of those who lost their lives.
1. 9/11: The FDNY
Witness the incredible bravery of 343 members of the Fire Department of New York who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Scott Pelley speaks with firefighters who were there that day and the families they left behind to honor their courage and heroism. Relive this tragic event through these 10 best documentaries about 9/11 fire fighters, which will leave you in awe at what these brave men and women did for us all those years ago.
2. 9/11: The Firefighters Story
This documentary tells an intimate and moving story of the lives of three firefighters in the year following 9/11. Stephen Gregory, Assistant Commissioner with over 600 men and women under his command; Battalion Chief Arthur Lakiotes, safety specialist; and Mike Puzziferri, Bronx Battalion Chief were all on scene when the towers collapsed. Film maker Paul Berriff captured this moment on camera as well as a relationship with these brave firemen. See their stories unfold in this powerful film about courage and heroism in the face of tragedy.
3. New York Firefighter who Survived 9/11
Retired FDNY firefighter Tim Brown is a living embodiment of the tragedy that occurred on 9/11. As a survivor and first responder to both the 1993 and 1995 attacks, he has survived unthinkable horrors and lost many friends in the process. In this documentary, hear his story straight from him as he recounts what happened on that fateful day almost 20 years ago. His experiences will make you understand the real human cost of those events and how it still affects survivors like himself today.
4. A New York firefighter tells his story of 9/11
Niels Jorgensen, a retired New York firefighter, tells his story of the tragic events that occurred during 9/11. In this episode of Acton’s Director of Communications Eric Kohn’s show, Niels shares his first-hand accounts from ground zero and how it affected him and others in the firefighting community. Hear about one man’s experience on this fateful day and gain insight into what happened at ground zero.
5. First Response – 9/11: One Day in America
On September 11th, 2001, the unthinkable happened. In this documentary we follow the brave fire fighters who were first on the scene at North Tower and witness their courageous race against time to save as many civilians as possible. Witness a day that changed America forever in First Response – 9/11: One Day in America.
6. Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
Niels Jorgensen is a former New York firefighter of over 21 years, and his story is one that will never be forgotten. On September 11th, 2001 he was at Ground Zero during the terrorist attacks and witnessed first-hand the bravery of the firefighters who risked their lives to save others. In this documentary we hear Niels’s personal account of that fateful day, as well as stories from other fire fighters who were there. This powerful film honors these heroes and provides us with an insight into what happened on 9/11.
7. In full: The first firefighter on the scene on 9/11
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, Fire Chief Joseph Pfeifer was the first senior member of the New York City Fire Department to arrive at Ground Zero. He took command of a rescue operation in the North Tower and dispatched his brother, Lt Kevin Pfeifer, to help with those efforts – unfortunately Lt. Pfeifer never returned alive from that fateful day. In this interview with Kay Burley we hear firsthand from Fire Chief Joseph Pfeifer about what he witnessed on 9/11 and how it affected him personally. This is an emotional story filled with harrowing descriptions and distressing events that will stay with you forever.
8. In Focus: 2022 Princeton Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Come join the Princeton Fire Department on Sat. Sept. 10 for their 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb! This event honors the fire fighters who lost their lives during 9/11, and all participants will climb 110 flights of stairs to commemorate those fallen heroes. On this episode of In Focus, we talk with Lt. Rick Shagoury about what inspired him to create such an incredible tribute and why he believes it’s important to remember these brave men and women every year. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity – watch now!
9. 911 – The firefighters story
This documentary is a must-see for anyone wanting to truly understand the bravery of the 9/11 fire fighters. Paul Berriff, a British film producer, was on site with Battalion Chief Mike Puzziferri of Engine 79 and Truck 37 when tragedy struck. The footage he captured paints an unforgettable picture of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable destruction. After 9/11, this documentary follows FDNY’s journey as they rebuild their truck fleet at Staten Island’s debris site and remember those that were lost on that fateful day. Don’t miss out – watch this amazing story now!
10. New York City firefighters still triggered by 9/11 memories 20 years later
September 11, 2001 was a day that will never be forgotten. 343 brave firefighters lost their lives to the 9/11 terror attacks and 20 years later the memories of that fateful day still haunt those who were there. In this video we look at 10 of the best documentaries about these incredible fire fighters and how they continue to live with their memories from 9/11. We honor them by remembering what happened that day and paying tribute to their heroic efforts.
