Remembering 9/11--Law Enforcement's Darkest Day and Most Shining Moment

2,996 lives were lost on 9/11, including 72 law enforcement and 343 firefighting heroes

McLean, VA (September 11, 2024) - On this, the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest day in law enforcement history (72 officers died in acts of heroism), I wanted to share an article I wrote one week after the terrorist attacks. I visited New York City and chronicled my experience in this article entitled, “Reflections from Ground Zero.” 

https://www.police1.com/terrorism/articles/reflections-from-ground-zero-UYwvgcLtM5C8fCgr/

At the end of the article, I share the memory of riding out of ground zero in a marked patrol vehicle, and the citizens all applauded and held up signs saying, "We love our police and firefighters."  Who would have thought that two decades later there would be cries to "defund and abolish the police?"  Very sad!

But our work here at Citizens Behind the Badge, with your important support, is a much needed reminder to all law enforcement officers that the vast majority of Americans continue to highly respect them and greatly appreciate their service and their sacrifice.

We must never forget what happened on 9/11! But we must also remember that the selfless service and heroic sacrifice displayed by our first responders on that day was nothing new—and has never stopped!

NYPD Officer Moira Smith is pictured here assisting an injured man on 9/11. She went back into the South Tower to help others and died moments after this photo was taken.