Special Message from Margaret Moore, NCWP Assistant Director
After witnessing first hand the devastation and aftermath of the most horrific acts of terrorism this country has ever experienced, the events of September 11th will forever remain totally incomprehensible.
New York Police Department Sergeant Carey Policastro escorted me to “ground zero” at the base of the remains of the World Trade Center, New York City. I was astounded by the massive piles of debris, concrete and steel. Many of the surrounding buildings were gouged with flying propellents. All around there was glass and soot; fires still smoldering and an obvious unhealthy haze hovering above the remains. Most humbling was witnessing the daunting task of the “bucket brigade.” Amongst the catastrophe, a solemn line of workers digging feverishly through the ruins knowing full well the entombment of over 6,000 people may never yield a survivor.
After overcoming the shock from the magnitude of the disaster, I was immediately struck by the unity of purpose and spirit of determination displayed by the many police, fire and rescue workers. Besides the many NYPD and NYFD members, police and firefighters from all over the country were present from various departments: Phoenix, Arizona Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, Fulton County Georgia Sheriff’s Office to name a few. A virtual city within a city has been set up at the base of the disaster to support the rescue and recovery efforts.
Sergeant Policastro has been working tirelessly since the attack and feels the tragedy of losing so many cops and firefighters brings all law enforcement together as one community.
As the nation tries to recover from these despicable acts of terrorism and heads into a future of uncertainty, we can all take comfort in the fact that we have many brave and courageous police, firefighters and rescue workers in our country that continue the work so many lost their lives over – helping others.
Chief Penny Harrington and I have made a donation on behalf of the National Center for Women and Policing to the Twin Towers Fund. To all our members, supporters, and associates who are assisting in the rescue, recovery and relief efforts of September 11, 2001, we thank you.
SAIC Margaret Moore, National Center for Women and Policing Assistant Director
Photo Gallery: The View from Ground Zero
Established by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, the Twin Towers Fund is to assist families of the members of the uniformed services of the New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and other government offices. To make donations by phone, call: U.S.: (877) 870-4278 International: (518) 457-0837
Check or money order donations may be sent to: Twin Towers Fund General Post Office PO Box 26999 New York, New York 10087-6999
