A Legacy Of
COURAGE Twenty-five years after 9/11, Bergen County firefighters reflect on loss, resilience, brotherhood and the responsibility to remember.
e hen d often tory ment. for r
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, remain etched into the collective memory of Bergen County. From neighborhoods that lost loved ones to communities that watched friends, family members and first responders answer an unimaginable call to service, the attacks left an indelible mark that continues to be felt a quarter-century later. While the skyline has changed and the years have passed, lessons of courage, sacrifice and resilience remain as relevant as they were on that unforgettable day. For firefighters across Bergen County, 9/11 was a national tragedy that was also deeply personal. Some responded at Ground Zero in the days and weeks that followed, working alongside colleagues from across the region in the massive rescue and recovery effort. Others stood ready at home, supporting neighboring departments, protecting their own communities and witnessing the profound impact the attacks had on the fire service. Each carries memories that have shaped their careers and lives. As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, BERGEN asked Bergen County firefighters to reflect on that day, the work that followed it and what its legacy means today. Their recollections are different, but they share common threads: honor for those who never came home, gratitude for the bonds forged in service and a commitment to ensuring that future generations never forget.
BERGENMAG.COM
BERG.0926.9/11.indd 48
48
SEPTEMBER 2026
8/18/26 12:04 PM