MYFOXNY.COM -
Tuesday will mark 11 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks and the healing continues -- not only for the family and friends of the victims -- but the first responders.
There is one organization that is at the forefront of helping New York's Bravest, our firefighters.
"On the morning of 9/11 I was on duty. Engine and trucks responded and I went over in my car with six other firemen. We got there and the South Tower collapsed already," said firefighter Richie Murray. "All that was there was ash. You couldn't see any people – it was silent."
Each one of these firefighters has a different personal story about where they were on September 11, 2001.
On 9/11, I just happened to be with a bunch of guys in New Jersey taking care of some stuff and we got word that the plane hit the World Trade center and of course, we didn't believe it at first, said firefighter Bill Hodgens. "We went back to quarters and we all got in the rigs and went over to see what we could do."
Firefighter Murray added to his story.
"We ran and I dove underneath the truck and I just laid there," said Murray. "I looked up and said, ‘Is this how I'm going to die?' After all I've been through and I thought it was over."
They all come from different fire houses but now one organization is bringing them together – "Friends of Firefighters."
"Friends of Firefighters" was created by a woman who simply wanted to help. The primary goal is to provide counseling and emotional support to firefighters and their families for the last 11 years.
"Ii was just my asking them what they need. I didn't have money, I couldn't come in, some people were very, very generous," said creator Nancy Carbone. I didn't have that but I did have the time and the desire to help."
Nancy Carbone's work to support New York City Firefighters started just days after 9/11.
"I actually didn't even know what the makings of a non-profit were at the time," said Carbone. "I think what was evident to me was that the firefighters would need some help."
This New York City based non-profit has helped more than 3,000 firefighters and offers everything from financial advice to counseling.
"We weren't thinking for one second about our own health and she was in there for every little thing," said Murray.
Firefighter John Sorrentino added, "It was very difficult and I can remember saying to Nancy we got guys coming back from Ground Zero going down in the basement and they're crying. They can't function and then meanwhile 10 minutes later, the bells go off and you got to jump on a fire truck and go on a run.'
Though Friends of Firefighters started as a one woman army, the organization is now based out this late 1800's firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Active and retired New York firefighters from Engine Company 202, ladder 101 are helping to restore this firehouse.
To them, it's a labor of love and for many a form of therapy.
"We are trying to restore this firehouse to an era of long ago and I find great pride in working with my hands," said firefighter Pete Calascione.
Though Friends of Firefighters services so many members of the FDNY – more help is always needed.
"We need funding desperately so we can continue our services," said Nancy Carbone. "We need to be here for our bravest because they are always there for us."
For those who want to support friends of firefighters they are having a public fundraiser on Tuesday, October 16.
