9/11 Stories: Scott Strauss

In the 2006 Oliver Stone movie “World Trade Center”, starring Nicholas Cage and Michael Pena, two Port Authority police officers were buried in the rubble of The World Trade Center. Detective Scott Strauss won the NYPD's highest award, the Medal of Honor, as one of the team who saved the real life trapped officers, working more than 3 and a half hours in the debris, amid blinding dust, choking smoke and white-hot beams.
After lowering himself into the narrow hole to find the trapped cops, Strauss remembers silently sending a message to his six and nine year olds sons, Brian and Christopher, who were safe at home on Long Island, apologizing to them for getting killed, imploring them to take care of their mom and to make him proud.
Barely able to see, Strauss remembers discovering the lifeless body of Port Authority police officer Dominick Pezullo, who survived the fall of the first tower only to slowly bleed out after the collapse of the second. Strauss and his tiny team then discovered Port Authority cop Will Jimeno on his back, completely encased in dust, save for his head and right arm. He was alert, quickly calling out, “You gotta get to my partner”. Strauss assumed Jimeno was talking about the cop they had just found dead, but Port Authority Police Sgt. John McLoughlin was nearby and still alive, nine hours after the collapse. Jimeno continued to repeat, over and over, “You gotta get to my partner. You gotta get to the sergeant!” It was a miracle that not only did the two cops survive, but so did the courageous rescue team. In this video, you will hear now retired NYPD Detective Strauss tell his story of that day and see the after effects from the dust, as he suffers with severe breathing issues to this day. Continuing the legacy and following in their father’s footsteps, Scott’s sons Brian and Christopher, are now proud members of the NYPD.
► Listen LIVE: q1043.iheart.com/
► Facebook: / q1043ny
► Twitter: / q1043
► Instagram: / q1043

[@KMACKTIME]

Every time he coughs my heart breaks. The selflessness to go in there is out of this world.

[@aimeem9867]

😔 poor guy. He's getting short of breath just speaking.

[@sharonw7078]

Mine too! 😢

[@donnasettle3505]

And how he remembers each and every step of his actions. I am in awe.

[@leesher1845]

I know; it’s brutally painful.

[@Banana2oo8]

The fact that he can’t stop coughing…and you know it’s the effect of all the smoke from that day…breaks my heart. Thank you for being a hero.

[@cacampbell3654]

The emotional and physical strength it takes *just to tell the story*!!!

[@Goldrefinedthrufire]

I agree, I'm not being rude but it's a little bit psycho somatic. He coughs more when he thinks about being under the pile. I know for sure he must have terrible health problems now possibly even cancer I'm not sure but just thinking about that horrific day has him coughing a bit more anyways not like it matters but just wanted to point that out

[@biggy_fishy]

@@Goldrefinedthrufire How do you know how much he coughs when he isn't talking about this event? It's very presumptive of you to medically diagnose him? I just don't see why you felt the need to put your opinion on this video.

[@biggy_fishy]

@@Goldrefinedthrufire anytime you have to preface what you're going to say with 'I'm not being rude but...' ,you should just stop. you're definitely being rude otherwise you wouldn't feel the need to mention it.

[@i.m.demarco2324]

@@Goldrefinedthrufire not psycosomatic...hes been talking for over 10 minutes straight....he has compromised airways....its natural his cough would kick in....

[@2louie4979]

"I am not a hero. I worked with heroes." Spoken by a true hero.

[@Diesel11769]

Not even just a quote. You know these guys really feel that way because of their brothers who didn’t make it. They are all Hero’s 🇺🇸

[@saiyamz]

Because of your courage, 2 men got to see their children grow up. Because of your heart, thousands of families were able to find some closure. Thank you for being you and the beautiful human being you are Scott.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

That!! 👍 yes

[@icecreamcoveredchocolate359]

I can't imagine the bravery it must take to jump into the narrow hole while every part of your body must be screaming to run and save yourself. Not many people would be able to do what you did, Scott, you are amazing.

[@shoga1980]

Sir, you are a hero and you should never have to excuse your cough as it is a battle scar and your badge of honor. Thank you for sharing your story despite your pain and and triggering physical and psychological discomfort. I’m a historian from Denmark and your witness statement will live after you and yours. Please do remember this when things may seem futile.

[@stewpuddy4161]

Real American hero. You sir are deserving of this nations utmost respect and gratitude.

[@taffycat93]

I've listened to a lot of 9/11 stories. This is probably my favorite bc Scott actually saved someone in the rubble of that giant mess. For the first time, I feel like I got to experience some of the hell he endured by listening to this (as much as you can). The claustrophobia alone would be hard for most people. Much less operate equipment in a very tight area (to say the least). So hot with difficulty breathing... Wow. Just wow.

[@oddy532]

Your right, just thinking of the enclosed area makes me feel anxious, a true hero

[@lorilazise1521]

Look up Brian Clark. A great speaker and his story just makes you shiver!

[@taffycat93]

@@lorilazise1521 it really DOES! 👍🏼

[@lorilazise1521]

Also FDNY firefighter John Morabito's 4-part story. I could listen to him all day. Such a touching story

[@roybell15]

The movie wtc is very accurate on will jimeno an john Mclaughlin

[@mariesantoromito2593]

Such an inspirational humble man.. Scott Strauss god bless you, your fellow officers and family. Thank you for sharing your story a time in history. Your our an amazing man... All the best Scott from New Zealand ...Kia Kaha 🙏

[@jonhighsmith803]

Previous to this I just watched firefighter Tim Browns story. When I watch one I binge watch so many back-to-back, I just can't stop! Tim and Scott's account of that day would be enough, absolutely enough to tell the story of that horrific day. Heroism, sacrifice, bravery, and love for their fellow man. May we never forget!

[@noreengardner1075]

I watch and rewatch everything I can on 9/11. Although it’s heartbreaking, I feel I owe it to the victims and survivors- Scott, your vivid horrific testimony is so inspiring, and you’re so right, there is nothing like NYC humor, and dry Irish humor in a crisis that helped forge a unique bond when under so much pressure, all of you having to suppress so much fear, endure pain, and to be able to keep emotionally strong in order to be focused, and problem solve this rescue. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 🇺🇸

[@leighkaysar768]

I do the same. Watch all the stories. I bought "Out of a Clear Blue Sky" heartbreaking but I want to remember them and honor them. Flight 93 also wrenching. It is important we never forget them They mattered. 😢

[@drjuicefire7025]

This guy is an American hero. God bless you Scott. I hope your boys are safe in this crazy time in the world protecting the city !!

[@Unicorn-zb1mu]

What a testimony Scott Strauss . God Bless you . Your Sons will be as proud of you as you are of them #neverforget 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@janispayne5570]

The kid with the sign, “please find my daddy” broke me. Thank you for your service, sir.

[@josiahguthrie5797]

I own the Nick Cage/ Mike Peña movie based on this story. Tears every time I watch it.

[@beverlywest9779]

Agree, when Will says we're in hell John. Alive in hell. That was so heartbreaking. I think if they hadn't had each other, they wouldnt have made it. Thanks to every single person who died trying to do the right thing.

[@jeanettedellicarpini5616]

God bless always. What a guy

[@taffycat93]

Ok, I posted previously that this w my favorite story I'd heard yet. But you MUST go listen to Will Jemeno's version of how it felt to be rescued! You have this guy as the rescuer and Will as the guy on the receiving end. AMAZING. #NeverForget 💗🙏💗🙏

[@shoga1980]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@Kelseybracelets]

Is will jemeno the one he rescued?

[@taffycat93]

@@Kelseybracelets yes

[@aimeedowney327]

Will Jimeno … here is his story! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJuvfmaXob6XfZo

[@thistledownz.2982]

I heard Will's story first. I'm so thankful for these stories.

[@bobporch]

I was a construction volunteer with some of the ESU's that were searching the underground on Friday 9/14. I don't recognize Scott and don't know if it was him or an officer on the 2nd team. But what I heard was they tied a rope around the waist of the officer that went in. The rope wasn't to pull him out: it was to follow it to his body in case of another collapse. I've never spent time with braver people in my life. Not one will accept the title of Hero. If it was Scott, I bet he would say it wasn't him. I only went to help cut up iron, but like he said, they lost all their equipment. Pure coincidence put me with those men. I will Never Forget!

[@mikexxxmilly]

I suspect 99.99% of human beings would do the same thing and it’s hard to see from the outside looking in but humans by nature are sympathetic and heroic , that’s why true heroes hate the title. They don’t feel it. They’re driven by adrenaline and instinct.

[@Lonster4]

0 ppm 9

[@survivormary1126]

Bless you. 20 yrs later no words can express the gratitude for the pain of what happened and your sacrifices. I wish for you all to be well.

[@1986almira]

God bless you ♥️ Lots of love from the Netherlands Only respect for all of you!

[@clairdelunefan]

Bob ~ May I ask? Has your health been affected by working at Ground Zero? I do hope you are well. 👍

[@raquelarredondo1642]

God bless you Officer Strauss! You are a true hero! Im in love with you now and forever! I wish you better health and peace!

[@bulldozer7656]

Thank you for your service... I know,alot about this as a 12+ year navy combat medic.... You never get over it.. Thanks brother

[@rca6576]

I honestly feel blessed to have been able to listen to this man tell his story. It truly has been a blessing to be allowed to take my time to hear this man speak.

[@monikathomas4985]

How sad to see that he has that cough, most likely as a result of 911

[@kellywark5149]

I am thinking so too.❤️💔💙💙

[@kellywark5149]

God Bless You Scott. I can't begin to fathom the sheer Horror of the Day coupled with Beyond Incredible Faith and Resilience. #NeverForget. 💙💙💙🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾💙💙💙

[@raineyj560]

Definitely!

[@carolinegallegos_]

That was my thought. I’ve been renovating a house and a lot of the work like sanding or cutting drywall or other stuff produces a lot of dust and debris in the air. When it eventually lands on everything it looks like it’s snowed. I wear a mask doing it but I’ve been sick off and on while doing the renovation and I have a feeling it’s from breathing the dust and other contaminates in. Even with a mask you breathe it and even with safety glasses it gets in your eyes. Knowing how easily buildings can produce a cloud of dust and how that cloud can make you sick and wheezing, I can’t imagine the conditions 9/11 produced and the long term effects it’s had on their health. Experiencing something similar but on a much, much, much, much, much, much smaller level has been brutal.

[@NOMAAM1970]

It says in the description box that it is because of 911

[@catmeow333]

Scott, heartfelt thank you. My dad was a police officer here in CT (old-school cop) I have so much respect for you.

[@yellowjesus6793]

I literally listened too thousands of stories..This might be the most graphic and detailed.

[@amandac7270]

He is an excellent storyteller

[@kristalkimberling7395]

My cousin helped in the recovery after. He worked in a team and almost all of them have gotten cancer and many have died. People don’t realize that we are still losing people from the attacks on September 11th. My cousin was lucky. He is in remission. However less than 2 months ago he lost another member of his team from that day. Thank YOU for your service. For your sacrifice. For all you’ve done and still do. Prayers to you and your family.

[@earthangelic278]

Thankful for your cousins act of service and sending love to your family. May his team members rest in peace.

[@kristalkimberling7395]

Thank you ❤️

[@cherylstaples1790]

The suspense almost did me in! Thank God men like this really exist!! The horror was described so well, my claustrophobia kicked in and I had a full blown anxiety attack. You guys are more than heroes!

[@barbie.travels]

You are an amazing man and hero to me Scott. I'm grateful you are able to share your story! #Neverforget

[@susieallman2615]

Thank you, sir. If you can live it, I can listen to it.

[@jennifer2185]

It's amazing that they even survived. You did amazing work saving these 2 men. Knowing his cough is 9/11 related makes me sad. :(

[@AZ.tattoo]

It was incredibly brave to even climb down in that hole. God bless you sir.

[@User0000000000000004]

God damn you

[@bobporch]

@@User0000000000000004 How would you like to go underground in total darkness looking for survivors below two fifty story buildings in danger of collapse at any moment? If you were trapped down there, would you want someone to come looking for you. Maybe you meant God bless you.

[@donnamcgraw638]

True American Hero.

[@sarahs5575]

Each year around this time, I watch some of the coverage and stories. It was a horrific day for our country. I cannot imagine having been there but your recounting paints such a vivid picture. You’re an amazing man. Thank you for sharing your experience (and the points of humor in the darkness) with us. #neverforget

[@jakemason4357]

God bless you Scott and your family! A hero anyone would look up to for your bravery and courage. I pray you live a long life and see grand babies grow up to see them join the force and follow in your footsteps. I never heard this story before and glad I got to hear your story!

[@NoName-ml5yk]

I can't even put into words how impressed by this man. His humility, compassion, and positive outlook is something to behold. I'm not surprised at all that he risked his life to help others. His family should be proud.

[@angelafulford5288]

+1

[@disaffectedmale]

This is the sort of man I wish I was. You have my utmost respect sir.

[@lewisp1573]

It's beautiful how you and the people who helped people in such selfless acts showed the light and goodness in such a horrific time. You and everyone involved should be proud of yourselves for being such great people - love from the UK

[@anamiriamrodriguezcruz3824]

Up most respect for Mr. Scott. The will to survive. You sir are a hero and your rescue team. RIP Dominic and all the innocent lives who perished on 9/11/01.

[@User0000000000000004]

Up most. All the ups, even.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Thank you so much for struggling through and telling your story. For many different reasons, it’s the best I’ve ever heard regarding 9/11. It’s also important because future generations will be inspired by your courage, loyalty, but mostly by your love.❤

[@atamagashock]

After seeing the movie made about this story, it’s crazy to hear it from the man that was there. A true American hero, much respect

[@sallgall3071]

Will you tell me the name of the movie. I really need to see this. Please. 🙏 thank you

[@beckybraithwaite2387]

@@sallgall3071 it's called world trade centre

[@sallgall3071]

@@beckybraithwaite2387 thank you so much. I watched it earlier today.

[@d.b.2997]

Mr. Strauss, I can't even begin to say how amazing you are. You are the very definition of a true man and a true hero. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I still, to this day, pray for all of you. It's been almost 20 years and I will NEVER forget. It is so important that everyone continues to tell these stories so that future generations know. Everyone you guys mention in these videos, I look them up so that I can read more about them and connect a face with the names that I hear. May God Bless you all!! Much love to you.

[@taffycat93]

Gosh, I really hope that his dry cough isn't 9/11 related. You hear so much about that. (I just read that it is, I'm sorry to say).

[@jeannemurray1046]

Me too. Please get it checked. Free for your whole life.

[@sallydorsey1851]

Me also

[@truthprevails7085]

It’s from 911

[@lisabrockway7836]

Yes it is. That's why the lawyers are trying to get them more care that our government stopped.

[@NOMAAM1970]

Read the description box. It says his cough is from that day

[@CITYBEACHTV]

True hero - the very definition of the word. Deserves the best health care available. Incredible

[@AngelaSicca]

You are a true hero!! God Bless you Scott!! 🙏🏼💙

[@User0000000000000004]

God damn you

[@bobporch]

The movie of this rescue "World Trade Center" was put up free on KZbin movies on August 1, 2021.

[@lorilazise1521]

I cringe every time he coughs. Hope he’s ok. God bless him! Wrong....you ARE a HERO, Scott! ❤️

[@Arodnyc72]

Omg me too, I want to give him water , but he is a fuckin warrior!!!!! God bless you

[@joanhenschel3511]

True heroism like I've never encountered on social media. Thank you for relaying all these precious stories to us. Scott, may you be blessed abundantly by our Father. Take care, Brave Warrior

[@christinabutler7142]

What an incredible story Mr. Strauss! Thank you for all you did that day and through your career!! God bless you and your family!!!

[@joandonegan9950]

Mr Strauss, thank you from a granddaughter of a NYFD firefighter from way before 9/11. I never knew my grandfather but I have no doubt he would have been as brave as you and the rest of the first responders were that sad day of 9/11. Thank you for what you did and may God bless and take care of you and your family! You are an inspiration to many!!

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

You totally risked your life in searching for others! Your so brave and compassionate ❤ please enjoy the rest of your days in ease

[@guywebster8018]

If any of you have worked over 24 hours in a strenuous job you know. Every hour gets worse and worse. You begin to hallucinate, you physically lose strength with every minute, your past health issues like a broken bone years ago or torn ligaments or muscle tears, you feel that. Now add the emotional stress of 911, the dangers of being in ground zero trying to save a mans life. A fellow officer. I couldnt possibly imagine yall. I couldnt possibly imagine- The mans a hero. A freakin hero-

[@amywhite9972]

I believe this is the story of The World Trade Center movie. The one with Nicolas Cage. Nicolas Cage played the sargent that he was trying to get out of the hole..

[@NT-cj1zj]

Yeah Stephen Dorff played Scott Strauss.

[@amywhite9972]

@@NT-cj1zj Yeah.. I thought so. Nick's accent was the best in that movie. I recognized several people but don't remember their names. Good movie though.

[@NT-cj1zj]

@@amywhite9972 the real McLachlan and Jimeno are in the movie. Jimeno was in the locker room scene before they start their day and McLachlan was at the bbq at the end of the movie.

[@amywhite9972]

@@NT-cj1zj Really, next time i watch it I'll look for them. Well i know what the sargent looks like anyway. Some days i just sit and watch 9-11 tributes or stories. I feel like those people have a story and i want to know their story. I guess it's my way of paying tribute to them. Sadly many of the heroes didn't survive to tell their stories. Like Oreo Palmer, who actually made it up to the crash site in tower 2. I can only imagine how thankful everyone was to see him. It helps to know that they had a moment of hope before the building collapsed. One of my favorite stories though that actually let me know that God was truly there that horrible day was The miracle of Stairwell B. Or was it A, i can't remember. Where the group of firefighters survived the collapse of tower 1, the second building to fall. How they wouldn't have survived had they not stopped to help that lady. Truly amazing stories of great courage. Many knew they wouldn't survive but they still went up. From Oreo to the men who kept going up in tower 1. They had to know how slim their chances were but they saved many people that would never have made it out without them. And the guy in the red bandana. Wells i believe was his name. What an amazing person to do what he did. A true hero. Those are the stories that help make 9-11 almost bearable.. I decided a few years ago that there was more stories from inside those buildings so i rented 102 stories i believe was the name. Great book but be very sure you want to know what all went on inside those buildings that day. Until i read it, i never thought of just how many elevators there were. Or how many people were still stuck in them when the buildings collapsed. I didn't know hardly any radios worked. And i damn sure didn't know that many people were told to stay put and only headed down right before the collapse. Most didn't make it. I didn't know that TWC kept their roof doors locked for fear of people using the roof for suicide. What bugs me is they didn't tell people the doors were locked. If they had known, they probably wouldn't have tried. That time could have been used to at least try to get down. What ticks me off is tower 2 being told to go back to work after first crash. Stupid!!! I had heard some of this before but the book really goes into it.. The whole 9-11 thing has always really bothered me. I mean, they just went to work or got on the wrong plane. Ya know. They didn't deserve to die like they did.. 😢😢

[@MrPaulSoscia]

@@amywhite9972 Was it called “102 Minutes That Changed America” or “ 102 Minutes: The Unforgettable Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers” ( there appears to be a book and documentary with a similar name)

[@tinawoodell1957]

Thank you Scott for everything you and your coworkers did. You made me feel like I was right there and I can't even begin to imagine what you all went through. It is a shame it took that event for this country to pull together as one. Praying for healing for you at this time.

[@StudioEq_777]

Thank you for sharing your poignant story, may God bless you for your noble deeds. 👏👏👏👏❤👍

[@User0000000000000004]

God damn you

[@erynlasgalen1949]

No, the hero of that day is you, sir, for ha ING the guts to worm your way into an unstable pile to help at least two fathers make it home to their wives and kids. You can't do it all, but you did more than most.

[@guntrader5652]

I only watched 5 mins so far and this guy is portrayed in the movie WTC where he helped rescue 2 PAPD guys trapped. A Great Hero here.

[@DavidSmith-tu1nd]

Scott you made me laugh when you joked about wishing your partner was a female cop when you were crawling over him. You're made of good stock. Your kids will carry on your values. I remember that day as if it was yesterday.

[@viktorrietveld]

Extremely touching. Lovely man, the courage the humility, very very touching. Love from the other side of the pond.

[@michellebluhm9197]

Nothing more to say other than you’re the definition of a true hero. Thank you for your service. Just know there are still people standing by you!

[@emmas5000]

This is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for telling your story.

[@isabt4]

THANK YOU for your HEROISM and your HUMANITY. I have no words to describe your bravery, everything I think of writing in this comment seems too insignificant after hearing your amazing account of this recovery operation. I have seen that movie more than once, but hearing this first hand account of the recovery and how miraculous it is that you all made it out is simply mind boggling! All I can say is THANK YOU and God bless all the heroes and victims of that terrible day ❤️❤️❤️🙏 9/11 showed us the worst of humanity and the best of humanity

[@vivians9392]

The reason you said "he's a personal friend of mine", was a psychologically verbal expression to let others know how important he was to you!

[@CandiceGoddard]

9/11 was a day that showed both the best and the worst of humanity. Thanks for being one of the best.

[@marielouiselisberg7810]

Scott Strauss or anyone who know him, I really wanted to ask some questions because he was on night shift hours before September 11th. Had the sinkhole in Manhattan about 2 to 3 hours before flight 11, it would have something to do with it, towards the trade center. Respect to all emergency services and R.I.P everyone who died on September 11th.

[@laviolist]

There’s a video called “What I learned BURIED under the twin towers” which is the story from the guys you rescued under the rubble (Will and his Sargent). 🙏😘💗

[@enquiringmindswanttoknow699]

I wish I was I was just like you Scott, thank you x

[@vancouverviking4652]

Respect 💪🇨🇦🇺🇲✌

[@ravenrisby]

I can tell u Ireland 🇮🇪 isn’t what Americans think they r there yobs with bad teeth 🦷 lol 😂 I’m from the uk 🇬🇧 and can tell you 100 💯

[@walkenenash3867]

I absolutely love this guy. And even though he doesn't consider himself a hero, well he is!! What a wonderful person ❤.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Thanks for sharing your story and for your courage and dedication.

[@sarahhealy9976]

God bless you Scott and your team, this story is heartbreakingly beautiful. I teared up more then once. We will never forget what ya’ll did that day and months and years later. Love and hugs from the UK.

[@christinamitchell6796]

The Dominique story really bothers me to this day. Just the fact he survived and then to die that way hurts my heart.

[@mentlinc]

Right! He had the least injuries and had a chance to try to climb out early on. But i don't think he would've made it before the 2nd collapse. Atleast I prefer to think that.

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@mentlinc when I watched the movie I get mad like damn especially when I hear about how much of a great man he was smh rip to him

[@mentlinc]

@@NorthPhilly-zr7xc takes a lot of guts to not leave your ppl when it looks like you might die if you don't. He showed how great a man he was in that moment.

[@barbararomanowski2904]

An AMERICAN HERO. Thank you Scott

[@georgeinangelo6291]

Thank you sir. God bless you .🙏

[@Jkl306]

I watched the second tower fall live my son was 8 months old he’s almost 21 and this horrific event changed my life I can’t imagine how it’s changed yours. I’m very sorry you had to endure all of that godbless you ❤️🇺🇸 and thank you a million times thank you 🙏

[@mikexxxmilly]

I watched it live before school that morning. I remember that feeling in my 12 year old mind wondering if some foreign army was going to over run our school. We just didn’t know

[@davepowell7168]

The terrorist conspiracy theory defies belief although the alternatives are best not contemplated

[@lindahope8849]

Much love and prayers Brethren Amen God bless Humanity Amen 😪💙💚♥️🙏

[@148ESTHER]

True Heroes. Selfless and brave. May God Bless you.

[@lorenat05]

Thank you for your service, and all those that we lost that day, both physically and mentally. I pray for all those affected and your family's, your health and financial well being. God bless and protect you all.

[@danielle1ashley]

This Man is a true hero. People seem to forget the serious trauma & medical issues that the NYPD have to deal with to this day. We need to treat everyone, but especially these Men&Women that tried to help on 9/11 with the upmost respect.

[@annemow]

This is heartbreaking.... what a man! I love you all❤

[@louisemeloche5917]

Scott and your family, God bless you all. Scott, you are a real hero.

[@vickyjensen2590]

Thank you for your service Scott! We will never forget!

[@juliamarin4896]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are incredibly brave.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@Julia Marin The point where Scott Strauss is about to employ the smaller, battery operated jaws of life - to lift a huge brick off Will's lower leg. That has him trapped. They don't know whether the movement will cause a cave in. So he tells his two fellow rescuers (I think a former Medic and a Marine) to climb out beforehand for safety. They refuse to leave him. As Scott recounts: "we took strength from each other from that point".

[@jeffreyminor4701]

God Bless you Scott. We love you. Thank you so much for everything you do.

[@User0000000000000004]

God damn you

[@survivormary1126]

Absolutely heart wrenching. I will never forget. He is definitely a Hero in every way, and not just that day, but still today to have shared this with all of us and his selfless outlook. Blessing to you and your family as well. I hope you find peace and healing.

[@mrsdiana324]

Heart wrenching to.see the problems between the police and the public today in 2021 when you see and hear.the bravery of these guys what ever happened when did the police stop being heros

[@bluefidle]

They have NEVER STOPPED BEING HEROES . DON'T BOTHER CALLING THEM WHEN YOU ARE IN A TIGHT PLACE.

[@mentlinc]

Police that irresponsibly kill unarmed people then use their connections to escape punishment are not good cops. These guys doing their job are great cops. Not complicated at all.

[@LillianArch]

Many one of a kind items stored in the bottom level of the Trade Tower were lost. The head collections curator went to The Pile that afternoon. She took photos of many moments, gathered items from the site. She was there for months. In her 30's at the time her lungs became like the lungs of an 80 year old chain smoker. She guided what became the 9/11 museum exhibit. She was a friend of my son's. We worry about her and all of you who now have 9/11 related illnesses. You are a very brave selfless man.

[@micheleengful]

You are an amazing soul!! I live in PA and when the planes were all grounded, my ex-husband and I were standing on our balcony, and saw flight 93 make a huge U-turn in the sky. I lived in the city and thought for sure the plane was heading towards the steel building. My mind made an unintentional list that went through my head of trying to remember if anyone I knew worked there. It was the most fear I had ever felt in my life. I can't imagine what it was like to actually live the reality of what I felt that day. YOU ARE a hero. You are just too humble to admit it....that's how I know it's the truth. Thank you for being an example of what we are lacking so desperately in this world today.

[@bkkjbradley]

Thank you for telling your harrowing story! You are one of the many heros that I think about often. We were all horrified together. We all grieved together. We all cried together. We all felt helpless together. We were all angry together. We were together ❤🤍💙 It changed my life. I have visited just to try to understand the gravity. I have taught my kids about that day. I will never forget!

[@LLandP]

My gosh, the hell he went through is unimaginable! It sounds like a movie and to think he actually experienced it is horrifying! God bless people like you!

[@lisaess]

❤ from New Zealand x

[@Great-Documentaries]

People were not spitting on you on September 10th, 2001. Don't give young people the wrong impression.

[@williamcawley1113]

He's also the former mayor of Mineola my hometown I've meet him he's a great guy

[@susandonoghue7933]

Thank you for all you did Scott and your fellow colleagues we will never forget you putting your life in arms way .. I'm so sad and angry that your health as been affected by all of this !!! God 🙏 bless you and your family always ❤️ Ty

[@Great-Documentaries]

People were cowering all over those buildings. Who are you kidding?

[@tinamcbride5423]

This day was felt in Canada too. Never Forget

[@kathleenp1172]

What an amazing hero. God bless you and all the other first responders. Truly epic heroism. Prayers for your physical healing. 💔🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@susannorthup2413]

True American Hero!!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@Kid_Kootenay]

ya ummmm with all our fancy tech all you really needed in that space was a 4 ton bottle jack and a few chunks of board. anyone who grew up on a farm would know that. never leave home without a jack all bottle jack n some boards

[@SLCtica]

This man gives me so much pride to be an American, to have been alive at this time and remember the unity of our country back then. Words cannot describe the pride we feel for our first responders and fire fighters on that day. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. You amaze us. You’re ordinary me who did extraordinary things.

[@sallydorsey1851]

That’s a bad cough

[@dredthis9473]

I just found these stories this week and Ive only watched 3 so far. Thank you for posting the videos and thank you for allowing them to speak so freely with very little interruption. Interviews can become diluted by the interviewer making comments too often. I really appreciate what youve done. I think about 9/11 frequently, that single day was the catalyst to so much change in the US and many other parts of the world. I feel it's important to focus on experiences of the individuals that were directly involved. Hearing the emotion and feelings tells the story in a way that touches your heart and makes an impression that the brain will remember and relate to. Powerful story telling.