The North Tower

So far this week, I've been really interested in reading about the inside of the North Tower of the WTC in 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.  Fire departments said they could have attempted to put out a fire that only covered one or two stories; however, the plane crash completely engulfed five floors into flames. Firefighters knew their mission was not to extinguish the fire, but to rescue as many victims as they could. Although they were trying to the best of their ability, firefighters measured the time it would take to reach the floors above the fire in hours instead of minutes. With nearly all 99 elevators stuck and many staircases in flames, it would be a difficult task to reach the top. To add, firefighters were literally carrying another on their back. Their uniform and equipment weighed about 56.5 pounds and some engine ladders brought along a 30 pound hose.
A lot of poor communication and failed protocols hindered the rescue attempts of 9/11. For example, after the 1993 bombing, the city approved firefighters to ride in police helicopters in case of high-rise fires. After the attack, the city's police and fire departments went along with their own missions and did not communicate at all.  Therefore, police helicopters lifted off and at 8:52 could clearly see the damage of the building. It would have been beneficial for firefighters to accompany them and get a first glimpse at the source of the fire and collapsing floors.
It's crazy to think of all the minuscule errors were made during the rescue of 9/11, but also the numerous amount of workers that risked their lives for others. A lot of times I tend to only remember those working in the WTC whose lives ended that day. But in fact there were firefighters, policemen, and even fellow co-workers who reentered the burning buildings to save more lives. I would love to be able to visit Ground Zero when it is finished in 2013. Although it would be a sorrowful place of memories, it also serves as a reminder to our country's heros and unity.