Fidel T. Oliver is a rare double survivor of the worst terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center; the February 26, 1993, bombing and the September 11, 2001, attacks; and was formally recognized for heroism in both.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Mr. Oliver was at his desk on the 68th floor of One World Trade Center (North Tower), serving as a photographer and videographer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Public & Government Affairs Department and acting as the designated floor safety warden. When American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building at 8:46 a.m., he immediately sprang into action. He personally led staff to the stairwells, verified that the entire floor had been evacuated, instructed panicked colleagues to grab their belongings and exit quickly, and remained behind on the 68th floor to assist with evacuation efforts and ensure no one was left behind. Only after confirming the floor was clear did, he descend the stairs himself, narrowly escaping the collapse of the towers while being engulfed in the thick, toxic clouds of soot and debris that blanketed Lower Manhattan.
In the days and weeks that followed, Mr. Oliver continued his extraordinary service. In his official capacity, he returned to Ground Zero on multiple occasions to document the massive cleanup operation, recovery efforts, and key milestones in the rebuilding of the 16-acre World Trade Center site; work he performed at considerable personal risk alongside his regular duties. These accounts are corroborated by three separate sworn affidavits submitted to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund by his former Port Authority supervisors and colleagues.
In addition, Mr. Oliver is a recognized hero of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. On February 26, 1993, his office was located on the B-3 level of One World Trade Center: just 120 feet from the bomb explosion. In the immediate aftermath, he demonstrated extraordinary valor by putting his own life and safety at risk to help others. On December 10, 1993, he was formally awarded The World Trade Center Award for Individual Acts of Valor, a medal specifically created by the Port Authority to honor individuals who exhibited heroism and courage by risking their lives to assist others, demonstrated exceptional judgment that saved lives or property, or took actions that avoided highly undesirable consequences and brought credit to the Port Authority.
Mr. Oliver’s actions in both 1993 and 2001 embody the highest definition of a first responder and hero; selfless leadership under fire, lifesaving assistance to others, and dedicated documentation of history as unfolded. He retired from the Port Authority in 2010 and continues to share his powerful story as a living witness to both attacks and the unbreakable resilience of the World Trade Center community. Mr. Oliver participated in the Path Restoration and the Preparation, Review & Release of the 9/11 Transcripts. He received two James G. Hellmuth Unit Citation Awards, see photos to the right.
Fidel T. Oliver
