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Former Hensel Phelps Employee Recounts 9/11 Pentagon Recovery Efforts and Lasting Health Impacts

Former Hensel Phelps Employee Recounts 9/11 Pentagon Recovery Efforts and Lasting Health Impacts

Robert 'Bob' Simpson, a Grand Lake resident and former employee of Hensel Phelps, has shared his experiences and the long-term health consequences stemming from his involvement in the recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Simpson initially drove 21 hours from Denver to New York City to volunteer at Ground Zero, where he participated in the 'bucket brigade' to clear rubble and search for survivors. After nearly seven days at Ground Zero, his company, Hensel Phelps, which had a federal contract for blast wall construction at the Pentagon, instructed him to fly to the Pentagon. There, he was assigned to a special team tasked with recovering computer hard drives from the crash site. Simpson spent over 30 days at the Pentagon, helping to secure the building. His time at both sites led to significant physical and mental health issues, including multiple surgeries on his right arm, chronic inflammation, a blood infection, severe mobility limitations, permanent eye floaters, knee su...

9/11 by the numbers: Deaths, injuries and impact

9/11 by the numbers: Deaths, injuries and impact

As America nears the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a look at the numbers behind the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history.

9/11 memorial ceremony adds 7th moment of silence

9/11 memorial ceremony adds 7th moment of silence

The annual 9/11 ceremony is adding a seventh moment of silence. Here's who it honors and why it matters 25 years later.

Kirsten Gillibrand Instrumental in Establishing 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Kirsten Gillibrand Instrumental in Establishing 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand played a crucial role in the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2011. This legislation established the World Trade Center Health Program and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The program was created to address the long-term health consequences faced by 9/11 first responders and survivors, many of whom suffered from respiratory illnesses and other conditions due to exposure to toxic air at Ground Zero. Gillibrand, along with other leaders like Chuck Schumer, Carolyn Maloney, Jerry Nadler, and Peter King, persistently advocated for the needs of those affected, ensuring that the government provided necessary health and compensation services. The effort involved years of legislative work, including hearings, negotiations, and continuous advocacy to turn an emergency response into a lasting federal obligation.

The Augusta Chronicle

Serge Burack remembers 'the pile' and sacrifices after 9/11 | Exclusive

Serge Burack remembers 'the pile' and sacrifices after 9/11 | Exclusive

The memory of 9/11 remains etched in the memory of surviving families and colleagues

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

9/11 25th anniversary: How to watch today's ceremonies and moments of silence

9/11 25th anniversary: How to watch today's ceremonies and moments of silence

Remembrance ceremonies are taking place Friday at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 memorial sites as the nation marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Senator Gillibrand Introduces Resolution Honoring 9/11 Victims and First Responders on 25th Anniversary

Senator Gillibrand Introduces Resolution Honoring 9/11 Victims and First Responders on 25th Anniversary

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside several colleagues, announced a Senate resolution. This resolution aims to honor the victims, first responders, and survivors of 9/11, as well as the service members who responded in the aftermath. The resolution specifically pays tribute to the 2,977 individuals who died in Lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It also recognizes the 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics, and 55 military personnel who lost their lives responding to the attacks, in addition to the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. Senator Gillibrand has a long history of advocating for the 9/11 community, having championed federal efforts to secure permanent healthcare and financial compensation, including leading the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and its reauthorization.

US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks

US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks

The U.S. is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead and the nation shaken

Representatives Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Marking 25th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks

Representatives Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Marking 25th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks

Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has introduced a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The resolution aims to honor the 2,977 lives lost and reaffirm the nation's commitment to remembrance. Co-led by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Jerry Nadler (NY-12), the measure has garnered support from over 200 Members of the House of Representatives. The resolution specifically acknowledges the victims at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It also recognizes the bravery of first responders, military personnel, and all others who contributed to the response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing suffering of responders and survivors due to 9/11-related illnesses and the organizations supporting them. The resolution underscores the importance of educating future generations about the history and lessons of Septem...

US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, 'moments that divide time'

US marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, 'moments that divide time'

The U.S. is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead and the nation shaken

9/11 illness fight expands as responders get older, sicker

9/11 illness fight expands as responders get older, sicker

Can a seemingly stripped-down WTC Health Program keep up with a growing cohort of 9/11 responders and survivors?

9/11-Linked Cancer Cases Continue to Rise Ahead of 25th Anniversary of Attacks

9/11-Linked Cancer Cases Continue to Rise Ahead of 25th Anniversary of Attacks

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches, health experts are issuing warnings about a continued rise in cancer cases linked to exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero. Frank Kotnik, a retired New York City Department of Transportation employee who worked extensively in the aftermath, was diagnosed with bladder cancer over two decades later. Similarly, Felicia Ivey-Toure, a mental health counselor who worked near Ground Zero, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer years after the event. Northwell Health's World Trade Center Cancer Program has recorded 811 new cancer cases in the past 42 months, marking a 75% increase from three years prior. The World Trade Center Health Program currently enrolls 145,000 patients, with over 57,000 having battled cancer, primarily prostate, skin, breast, and urinary tract cancers.