Kenny Winkler Full Interview | 9/11 20th Anniversary

Kenny Winkler is a retired member of the New York Police Department Emergency Services Unit. On September 11, 2001, Winkler was coming off shift when reports of a plane impact at the World Trade Center came in. He quickly grabbed his equipment and raced to jump on the main truck. As the senior person, he was the mobilization point for ESU when the teams went into the towers.
Hear his entire story and learn more about his time at ESU.
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The right mindset, training, and gear are what separates those who are ready and those who are not. Ready to help those in need, ready to protect and serve, and ready to crush goals. 5.11 embodies this mindset of preparedness. We make the gear for those individuals who are ready for any mission.

[@bobporch]

I was amazed to come across this video tonight after having spent some time with the ESUs on Thursday night 13 Sept. and Friday 14 Sept. 2001. Officer Winkler's face is one of the few I remember. His interview is so humble and understated. I know just how truly courageous these men are. I was living in Southern NJ when 9/11 happened. Formerly a steel fabricator and welder, I believed I could help cut up girders so cranes could lift them. I went to the City by train and walked 2 miles to the site during a thunderstorm on Thursday night. Work had ceased due to lightning and the heavy rain. An officer at a barricade directed me into a building where the ESUs were sheltering. I was issued rain gear and a pair of size 13 rubber to wear over my size 10 work boots. Since I was drinking their coffee, I volunteered to help them do whatever. Friday morning I overheard a conversation I was not meant to hear. Other construction workers were there and another ESU Officer asked one if he knew any engineers. The hard hat asked why they needed engineers. The ESU replied that two more 50 story towers on the perimeter of the site were believed to be in imminent danger of collapse. Fires were still burning, gas mains were broken, and there were pockets of jet fuel vapors. Turning on a flashlight underground could cause an explosion, so all they used for light were chemical lightsticks. The uncollapsed parts of the underground were around the perimeter. Down into the blackness they descended with the knowledge that at any moment a 50 story building might collapse on them. I asked another hard hat what we were supposed to be doing. He replied that if something "bad happened" we were supposed to come quick and start digging. When all the Police, Firefighters, EMS first went into the Towers there was no doubt thousands of people needed to be rescued. After the collapses, first responders like the ESUs again risked their lives on the outside chance that someone, anyone, might still be alive. My story is unimportant except as a witness to the bravery I saw from everyone down there. I ended up getting separated at an ID checkpoint when President Bush was arriving. Trying to catch up, I took a "shortcut." I ended up getting hit with poison gas and burning both my feet through two pairs of boots getting away from it. I will never forget the bravery and dedication of heroes I never got to know. My only contribution follows: Go ye traveler to the whole world tell Twas here in loyal service so many Heroes fell

[@mpayne8206]

Cool story bud!

[@turnerification123]

Ill tell you as a trauma nurse i tried to get up there but they said we weren’t needed but if i did this is the guy id want to follow and take orders from . Bless him

[@DC-ih8bv]

I served in both capacities ..NYPD FDNY…I was a young cop in my 20s but till this day I remember every face, name and smile of my bothers and sisters in the NYPD Manhattan. What a crew. Class all the way thru. Two wonderful organizations to be part of. I’m a lucky SOB.

[@nancyvickers2814]

Bless your heart. You will see all those men and women again. Know they are watching over you as well as their loved ones.

[@rachelmartin3631]

This is the first time I've heard anyone talk about the two Port Authority cops outside of the movie. John and Willy were 18 and 19 of the 22 found alive. They should get as much recognition for their survival, just like those in Stairwell B.

[@siobanethier]

Listen to Scott Strauss’ interview in this series. His account of helping Will get out is almost exactly as portrayed in the film. He was played by Stephen Dorff in the film. They left Paddy McGee out

[@user-rx4gs2sd5o]

Bravo and respect for your job,help and character 👏!!!

[@veronicastromain8181]

What a distinct voice, wow. 😻👍

[@colleenlimon3646]

I remember this day and I will never forget the depth of sadness I felt and have never felt again since 💔 I'm so sorry for your loss ... 14 brothers lost in 1 day

[@mikeodil7721]

Both voices of these men commands respect - powerful, in their own unique way. Awesome interview. Thank you.

[@tlt777]

God bless you and all of your brothers and sisters. I’m not a New Yorker but I am an American and this day and all the days after are burned on my memories. Prayers to all who courageously lost their lives and to those who survived. Thank you for all y’all do for all of us.

[@jcrif]

I was talking about 9-11 with someone and was thinking about Kenny and his story so I googled him and came across this. Great guy, great soccer dad to have around

[@jamesmorris5537]

GOD BLESS THIS TRUE HERO

[@amandac7270]

Thank you for your service sir 🙏

[@babettelenz7995]

I've always wondered if some guys were sent out of the towers to spare their families more heartache. Thank you for talking about that. From the many accounts I've heard the FDNY family would do something like that. RIP to the Heros and victims ❤🤍💙

[@hayleyann5308]

Such a brave man… my heart breaks for everyone affected by that terrible day… I was 21 at the time, I will never forget… godbless you all. ❤️

[@markwitzig6390]

I was also 21. Can't believe it's been 22 years now

[@lorrainepollock7333]

Yes,yes,yes.NEW YORK.NEW YORK.what a wonderful city. I met so many wonderful people in the early 70s.i did go up to the top restaurant ,TRADE CENTER. I WAS IN AWE OF THE CARPET. WHAT A CRAZY ,AMAZING ,THRILLING,FASCINATING, TRULY A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE to be there.scary but exhilarating.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

"This country doesn't want another 9/11. Yet, this country definitely needs another dose of 9/12." May GOD bless.

[@cherylstaples1790]

The monsters responsible for detonating these lives should be so ashamed. When they die, I bet their hell will be to die each death they are responsible for causing

[@tommysimmons3258]

Thinking this person knows my friend Paul who was ESU from staten island.

[@MCsAudio]

Would the last name happen to be Perricone?

[@tommysimmons3258]

@@MCsAudio no. Starts with a A.

[@Inkanation1]

Interviewer sounds like Kylo Ren

[@melissacoxen6001]

I think it's horrible how people treat police in today's world. These brave men and women see horrible things and are there some bad apples or people who should t be officers? Yes there are, but 90% of these people are good brave honest people. I am so thankful that there are people like that watching over us. I'm thankful for them, and others should be too. This whole defund the police idea is nonsense. You think it's bad now, wait until you drive all the good police out and see how great your utopia is now. Thank God for our police, EMS, fire fighters, military personnel.

[@sarahawkins9027]

Is he saying they were going to try rescuing victims by rappelling from the roof? Wow. If only that could have happened. I'm probably misunderstanding him. I need to read more about this.

[@jrbanks2983]

I believe what he was saying was that for Co exercises or drills.... 'they' (he and the guys) were repelling down the tower... from the roof... to B6. He was amazed that they were higher than a small plane going by below them. Just an observation. That's my guess. (Edit added) Further in this video he speaks of how he asked authorities if 🚁 air support might put them on the roof, for any survivors who aren't up. They answered him by stating too much smoke (mostly going up) gave no visibility to do that. Besides, they said, no one could've been on the roof of the 2nd tower hit... cuz the roof doors were locked! 😳

[@sarahawkins9027]

@@jrbanks2983 okay, that makes sense. Thanks!

[@grl9917]

The interviewer’s voice sounds like he’s constipated or underwater.

[@jrbanks2983]

Quite insensitive, and perhaps the words of a bully? You like making fun of someone who's a lil diff? He was prolly born with a deep voice. (later in life of course) You should count your blessings you're so perfect. This guy could be the perfect bass singer for a Lrg professional choir. Russia has many choral singers with special voices like his.