9/11 Stories: NYPD Chief Terri Tobin

Terri Tobin was given the NYPD Medal Of Valor for the lives she saved on September 11th, despite suffering two serious injuries herself. Tobin was a Lieutenant in the NYPD public information office, already on her way from NYPD headquarters to The World Trade Center when the second tower was hit. The ground shook. Even growing up in the shadow of JFK airport, she never heard as loud a roar as she heard with the jet plowing into the tower. Seeing objects falling from the building. It took a few seconds to realize she was watching people jump. Tobin says, “Can you imagine being in that position where that (jumping) was the better choice ?!”
Terri Tobin will never forget what happened next. NYPD First Lieutenant Joe Dunne stopped her and directed her to get a kevlar helmet. Tobin says every year on the 9/11 anniversary, she thanks Dunne for saving her life.
Minutes later, after directing reporters to leave the South Tower, Tobin realized it would be a long day ahead so she left the building to collect her sneakers from her car. Seconds later, Tobin heard what she thought was an elevated train, but she knew that was crazy. There were no elevated trains anywhere near The World Trade Center. Next she heard people screaming, “Go, go, go. It’s coming down!” She heard the building pancaking down. With the dust cloud roaring, Lt. Tobin was blown out of her shoes, her body flying across the street to a grassy area, hit in the head with concrete. After her head was wrapped, she continued on the job, helping pull NYC firefighters who had rolled under their fire truck when the South Tower came down. During that rescue, the North Tower fell. This time the lieutenant was hit with a shard of glass, imbedded in her back. Even after her second injury, Tobin continued on, helping evacuate an apartment building, where she took refuge after being caught up in the second dust cloud. Remarkably, after surgery on her head and back, hours later, Tobin returned to The World Trade Center again.
Terri Tobin still works for the NYPD, recently promoted to Chief of Interagency Operations, joining only a handful of female NYPD Chiefs . Tobin says on 9/11, she was doing exactly what she was meant to do that day.
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[@stephaniegamble3571]

What a BEAUTIFUL precious Woman. She isnt JUST a survivor, in the TRUEST sense of the word she is a selfless HERO!!! GOD BLESS AND KEEP HER!! She had a broken ankle, glass, cement in her head, and she still took care of others..20 years later, shes still taking care of others letting them know they are her hero... If anyone wants to know what a TRUE American is, HERE SHE IS!! If I could ever meet someone, I would LOVE to meet her one day!

[@rayross997]

So true, these stories are just amazing to listen to. They should be shown in the nation's high schools. There are some great people out there like this lady.

[@belindapaul9828]

@@rayross997 #This

[@davidmudry5622]

Heroes of 9/11 --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnuzpoqvbtqnqdU

[@crwmdp9]

This woman is a true hero !!! And a true professional !!!

[@marieharris1230]

“A HAND AND AN ARM WITH NO ONE ATTACHED TO IT”. OMG! That would haunt me forever! Terrible!

[@troubletime8684]

Same here, from another Harris, Tracy. London x

[@leroybigs97]

I can't imagine doing a rescue mission, hearing the cries for help and can't do nothing for them.

[@shawngross5420]

I am so glad she is OK. That image of the arm is so devastating and traumatic. So sad.

[@deniserossiter1059]

It’s so bizarre for me anytime I hear anyone talk about their experience that day, when they recall that at 1st they thought it was a small Cessna airplane that maybe the pilot had a heart attack & accidentally hit the Trade Center. That’s exactly how my grandfather was killed years ago. He was in a Cessna w/ some colleagues from work. They were in Florida for a conference & took a plane to the Bahamas to go do some gambling. When they were coming back right after take off & were up in the air the pilot had a massive heart attack & just dropped dead. They tried to grab the yoke & steer & call the air traffic control but it lost control so fast & they crashed & all died (6 civilians & the pilot) right off the beach. It was awful. So whenever I hear people say that when talking about 9/11, it’s just more sad memories. My grandfather was only 55 w/ 8 kids & 2 grandchildren (me being one of them)!!

[@MareRS357]

I heard a plane and thought it was a tour plane that went into the Tower 1.

[@lesleydanson7061]

I’m so sorry. That’s so very traumatic for you and your family , what a dreadful day. I can only imagine how triggering the phrase ‘ a small airplane crashed’is for you and your family. Know that many people listening and watching realise that when that phrase is said it is meant as a literary contrast and in no way could diminish the dreadful loss you have endured. Many of our thoughts are with you and yours. Never doubt that.

[@amy109]

I’m so sorry for your loss 😔🙏🏼 that is awful

[@anamiriamrodriguezcruz3824]

God bless this woman. Terri was half buried holding a hand thinking it is a person buried in the rubble semi conscious. So 😢. No body attached to the ✋ she was holding. Glass stuck in her back. Cement stuck in the back of her skull. Unbelievable horror. Thank God for the Medical personnel. Never forget. RIP innocent souls.

[@kathleenpenny9388]

Shes so 👍 awesome. Thank you Chief

[@kylethibodeau6094]

Thank You Terry for your story. A true hero. So brave. Be well, keep smiling .

[@uscitizen4172]

I am truly inspired by the New York emergency responders from all the agencies! Their grit, professionalism, and passion leaves me in awe! Congrats, Chief!

[@williamswendylee4574]

Wish there had been string safety nets to catch the falling people.

[@sheilathailand1903]

Just wow. What an inspiration she is.

[@jerryloufretz1797]

Cannot imagine what she went through that day. Unforgettable.

[@theresaann7388]

Chief Tobin, You are a true hero. You said you have no P TSD. Which I am so thankful for. Who knows why after everything you've been through. We are glad you don't. You had a true calling for this profession, It be one reason why. I bet you have inspired others. Bless you.

[@ivanvega1005]

Holy shit, what a crazy story! I'm so glad you made it out of there! No shoes, a piece of cement in your head? You are HARD CORE, woman! Wait...that was glass????

[@loganrossignol]

What an extraordinary human being. She was hit so hard that it knocked her wisdom teeth out. I can't even fathom that.

[@wdwrenee]

God Bless her , she is a true Hero !!

[@hopbup7401]

She seems like a nice person and tough as nails.

[@danielle1ashley]

Wow… Mind blowing how strong this women was and IS. ❤️🙌🏻👏🏻 Thank You for your service!

[@markstevens1729]

Well this lady’s story would be an exciting movie. Amazing experience for her!

[@kartikatomlinson3304]

Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice on that day, and your continued Service to the NYPD, God Bless You💙🙏

[@TheTheoGoth]

This lady is a badass and a hero

[@jenniferboyd1553]

Truly inspiring, thank you for sharing your story and for your incredible service!

[@magicgiraffes8883]

14:00 how traumatizing ! So Different perspectives of this day it’s a day in history that you’ll never stop learning about it was so much more than just two planes and twin buildings. No words can describe this day as one story. I’m glad that these individuals are getting their stories put out and continue to teach us and never let us forget.

[@cr-nd8qh]

Yeah I never got this in depth before. It's sad

[@rachmunshine9474]

And don’t forget the pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a field of heroes died… trying to save their lives, but if not not allowing themselves to be used as a tool to kill other equally innocent people sitting at work. And all 4 airplanes full of people. That’s before you get into the micro of each individual person’s story. So many of the families of those who perished that day I’ve been so wonderful about sharing their stories too- in order to honor their lives and their memories. And so that they will not have lived or died in vain.

[@leeanncornett5246]

Ive listened to so many of these stories but this one touched my heart deeper

[@redraptor9688]

Omg, the things this lady went through! It's just unimaginable. No wonder she is a chief in such a city!

[@Queen-of-Swords]

My goodness, what an amazing lady. ❤ If ever I am in any trouble, I know who I would like to be there for me! Someone as indefatigable as Terri Tobin.

[@fayhunt7285]

I have a brother and I can’t think of anyone I would rather see after such a traumatic day. God bless you and your brave/heroic story. I will never stop listening to these stories. We won’t forget. We should never be allowed to forget. X

[@rachmunshine9474]

Funny, you say that because after about 45 minutes to an hour of trying to get a phone line out to make sure my brother was OK and then he didn’t have a breakfast meeting and windows in the world or something- seeing as that’s the kind of guy he was.. even though he was young he was ambitious. He had just gotten back from Boston where he went to college and worked fundraising for his fraternity for a few years. We grew up after being born in the city from the ages of one and three in Rockland county New York, which is about 45 minutes away and there’s no bad traffic from Manhattan. 35 with the new speed limits. (it used to be 55 nationally.) or when it was no traffic whatsoever and I had a heavier foot. 😂 So yeah, he moves back from Boston two weeks before 9/11/01 and he moved to Manhattan. When he finally answered, I was so relieved. Even though I’m sure like everyone else as scared as I was, I don’t think I really thought the worst and I mean he doesn’t work there, so I had a little bit less to worry about, but still not knowing. We were on the phone for a while, and then, as each of the towers fell We were in shock on the phone together. I can’t even imagine what this woman and so many others went through. It was torturous enough sitting on the couch all day, watching the reporting. And wondering if I should go get my older two kids from preschool. I definitely wish this nation had kept the spirit of unity we had then. The first responders are still the same. And on an individual level I’m sure many many people still are the type that would help each other. But politics has really ripped this nation apart and I just hope it doesn’t take another 911 type of catastrophe whether that’s anytime soon or not for a long time - to make us come together again.

[@jimmoon5997]

I’m glad you made it through. Sometimes it’s truly a matter of inches

[@donnayoung5125]

So incredibly proud of you Terry. We were at Marist together in Social Work. Not at all surprised of your bravery. God Bless you!

[@donnayoung5125]

Butler was my maiden name

[@melaniemeyer3558]

I picture myself in this situation and I must say I would not have been able to do anything this brave hero woman did.

[@LLandP]

It is so amazing that you survived that horrible ordeal. You are obviously an extremely strong person. I am happy for you!

[@carolynmccallum9009]

Thank you Chief

[@MareRS357]

Wow amazing that this woman survived.

[@mariefc8504]

Chief Terri Toban, I was so moved hearing your story. You are a warrior and a leader with a huge heart. Thank you. ❤

[@SuzyMcCheese]

I just want to go be where she is. What a tower of strength and feeling of safe! Thank you for your bravery and service.

[@sophi2266]

Just listening to this wonderful woman how strong and brave is a gift for me.

[@fridperon3670]

this is more than anyone could handle A brave woman.

[@user-zd4fr4is7r]

A very brave and stoic lady.

[@taffycat5049]

The bad news was that she couldn't have anesthesia for surgery?! That sounds more like torture. 😳😳😳

[@mstiff6234]

Damn !! Holding a hand with no body attached ..

[@fridperon3670]

most incredible woman .God Bless this woman. Anyone would feel safe with her around.

[@Rachael121]

Fantastic, brave lady 💖⭐

[@grecogrant2511]

who puts a thumb's down unbelievable

[@suzannepatterson307]

She is a HERO and a ROCK! Best wishes ma’am. Stay safe and GOD BLESS

[@normagrimstad8869]

Great woman. Thinking of others while she’s got a piece of glass stuck in her head.

[@lauradavis8949]

THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR SHAREING

[@alejandrogarciaskeeplollke3269]

Chief is my new hero 😎

[@Sandraloves]

You are one toughy!! Very sorry for your cousin.

[@leesher1845]

Unbelievable-imagine grabbing a limb and realizing there’s nothing on the other end of it.

[@leesher1845]

I don’t know why she asked her whether she had cancer. She would’ve said so presumably if she did have it.

[@rogerrtewwr4723]

what a crazy story

[@rogerrtewwr4723]

14:04 OMMMG

[@rogerrtewwr4723]

9:50 wow

[@makeupbyjessw]

Im always amazed that they didn't vlow up bridges and the subway in NYC. This was planned for years beforehand...they could have done so much more damage.

[@annamarieh333]

🙏🏼💙

[@jasperpeake3419]

TERRI NOT Terry.... A wonderfully courageous lady like TERRI deserves the respect of getting her name correctly spelt.... Terry on the byline? No it is Terri, as in the female spelling. Up your game type setters!

[@ellenchavez2043]

Yikes!

[@mmm76936]

❤️

[@riobrasilsambashowssambist1453]

5:00 helicopters don't need to land to actually get ppl

[@jujutsu28]

We must have forgot.. because the 9/11 memorial museum shut down

[@marleneg7794]

What is on her kneck?

[@marieharris1230]

It’s her face mask

[@christinamitchell6796]

Looks like a brace

[@39gripen83]

Kevlar are not heavy...

[@janblackman6204]

I thought she had a neck brace.

[@matrixfree3480]

A pre- planed evwnt. Hence the lockstep lockdown

[@smmckay4929]

take that mask off! 😂

[@Lucy0809]

Masks worn as chin warmers are sooo irritating 😠, just take it off for all the use it is! 😡

[@chrisilogan8059]

It’s not about the mask …. Listen

[@noroar3258]

wow , thats what you took from this ?

[@amandac7270]

Shut up

[@Lucyinthskyy]

Who cares ? It’s not on your face 🙄

[@chinswaggerchinnie948]

Get out of here Karen! u missed the whole point of why shes even speaking 🙄🙄🙄 and shes by herself 😑