Pensacola Firefighter Remembers 9/11

A Pensacola firefighter was one of the people who volunteered to go to New York City right after the attack on the World Trade Center.
Andy Irwin said he was driving to meet a friend when he heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Irwin said, "I was listening to the radio and he (the newscaster) was reporting that there was smoke and that a plane had hit the tower."
Two days later, Iriwn flew to New York City to help with rescue and recovery efforts.
When asked what his first impression was when he saw what was left of the buildings, Irwin said, "Words can't describe it. Its overwhelming to see the mass devastation surrounding it."
Irwin said when he arrived, he worked on what he called the "bucket brigade:" twelve hour shifts clearing out concrete from what was left of the buildings.
Irwin said, "The 'bucket brigades' started with someone filling up a bucket and passing it along, and it just went down a line of people. They'd dump it out and go up to the end, the beginning of the line again, to get re-filled."
Eventually, bulldozers came in, and the work became especially difficult for the firefighters from New York City.
Irwin said, "These guys took it very personal. There was a lot of pain there because there were a lot of friends there. I saw there were guys crying on each other's shoulders."
Eight years later, Irwin is now a lieutenant with the Pensacola Fire Department.
But the memories of his mission to lend a helping hand are still fresh.
When asked why he volunteered to go to New York City, Irwin answered, "Why not? You love your country, why not?"
And Irwin said even though people are still aware of the danger of terrorist attacks, he's afraid one will happen again.