What I remember about September 11th is too long for me to write about. I'll be as brief as I can. I worked on the 88th floor of 1 WTC, The World Trade Dept., Operations. The first plane hit, the office was filling up with smoke. A co-worker entered the office - she had burns on her face and hands. Construction supervisors led us to stairway B and we started down the stairs. Along the way, firemen wer walking up the stairs telling us not to stop. We had no idea what happened. In the stairway, we didn't know that a second plane his 2 WTC.
Port Authority employees came together that day just as they did on February 26th, 1993. I worked in Operations, on the B2 level of 1 World Trade Center. What I want current and future employees to know is that the people who were murdered that day were wonderful people. We all worked hard and partied hard, and we all looked out for one another. FAMILY.
Being there for each other, providing a shoulder to cry on and embracing one another. Like in 1993, PA employees began to call those of us who worked in The Trade Center to ask if we were OK and who was with us on the 88th floor.
Payroll worked to get us paid that Friday. Every employees who was able, reported to other facilities to try and help any way they could. Employees who worked at other facilities provided a safe and caring place for all of us who lost our home that day.
After 1993 and September 11th, every employee was committed to work together to rebuild and make the Agency stronger than ever.
What I want current and future employees to know is The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is a great place to work. The Port Authority is my second family, then and now.
Respectfully,
Georgia Oppella
