After the horrific events at the WTC, I remembered how all the neighboring facilities rallied together to become intake for those who were directly affected. Those who were traumatized, stranded having to walk miles to seek better refuge and find their way home. At the GWB we were processing many fellow employees who witnessed horror beyond anything Hollywood could have conjured up. They were disheveled and covered in soot and soil that was tracked everywhere. We gave them an ear to vent, offered food and shelter, and helped with showers and clothing to provide comfort as best we could.
We learned of heroic deeds performed by civilians as well as that of our Police and Firefighters. We arranged for getting the word out to their loved ones and helping to provide a path home. Many employees also traveled back to the site in the first few weeks volunteering and returning to the bridge sleeping in soiled clothes. Everyone at the bridge helped in one way or another. From providing support and comfort to the agency's mission, to sewing up and providing the flag at ground zero. It was a sad, but beautiful moment.
When visiting the Tech Center in NJ afterwards for a multi-day training session, I saw all the tributes to our brave officers adorning the hallways, but not so much for civilians who also performed in service and made the ultimate sacrifice. The second day I returned with a poster I made and placed them all around the center with a picture of a Blue Police Officer and a Red Firefighter and the caption that Read: "Heroes don't only come in Red and Blue, ... It was not meant to take anything away from anyone, but rather to remind everyone that a "Hero" can exist in any of us, regardless of our title.
Kevin Vesely
