What is a First Responder?
The “First Responders”, also called the “Heroes” of 9/11, are the men and women who first arrived at the scene of the terrible crime, particularly those who first arrived at the site of the World Trade Center destruction. Whether they were on duty or volunteers, they worked day and night (some for months) to rescue people, recover remains, and clean up the scene. They include firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other emergency services personnel, police officers, National Guard, and retired and active military. Others who provided help or service at the scene of the disaster during those terrible first weeks include ironworkers, sanitation workers, cleaners, communications specialists, food vendors, construction workers, and religious and psychological counselors.
