25 years ago I was sitting at my desk in the Centrsl Terminal building at LGA Heating Plant unit preparing for my day's work.
I entered the Plant's employee kitchen for a glass of water. Some of the maintenance staff were sitting watching the TV while on a break. I turned to them and asked them what movie they were watching. (the movie I thought I was looking at showed the twin towers on fire) Dead Silence. I asked again no answer then the building alarm went off. I rushed back to my desk and was told we were under attack. I immediately called two co-workers at the Trade Center and told them to get out of the building don't ask any questions just do as I say.(they survived) The airport at this time was on lockdown. Fortunately, our PA phone service was still operational because the main frame was at the Teleport in Staten Island . I was able to reach some retirees to let them know what happened. Police personnel rushed to the site to save lives. We lost 37 of our PA family. Their bravery showed how we as a group are resilient in such a tragic situation. It was the most scary and emotional situation I experience in my 77 years on this earth.
I want future generations to remember that freedom comes with a price and hate has no place on this earth to survive. Port Authority employees have compassion, are dedicated, resourceful, and dedicated to providing the best transportation and safety of all our facilities in this region. We always go beyond our actual duties in doing for ourselves, our co workers, our families and the traveling public.
Never forget!
Submitted by Jeanne C Majors
Retired 12/17/2005
