Got home today from Ground Zero and I'm speechless. Everything you have seen on TV pales in comparison to the damage and carnage left by these cowards. I was in awe, I couldn't believe the destruction to the area around the WTC. Myself and about 20 Officers responded to NYC this morning bout 7am, where we aided NYPD in several tasks ranging from directing traffic to handling jobs. I was very upset about mid-day when they had us standing around the Jacob Javitz center with No plans. It seemed that NYC were actually turning away volunteers. With this, myself and the other Officers got our hands on some gloves, mask, goggles and hard-hats and sayed F this. With this we proceeded to make our way to Ground Zero and we parked about 3 or 4 blocks from the WTC site (Duane and Hudson St). We then made our way to Church St and walked within 100yds of the actual site where the buildings stood. We were then stopped by the National Gaurd, they were only letting the construction workers and Fireman inside the perimeter they had set up. I couldn't help to feel as if I wasn't aiding in this tragedy and was really upset that we were just standing around like a bunch of tourists. As we were walking back we were applauded by a large crowd of people handing out food and beverages and thats when I realized that my trip to NYC was not in vain. Just being able to put a smile on those peoples faces in this time of pain and suffering and seeing how total strangers come together as one, was good enough for me. I feel as a changed person from this experience and suddenly life means so much more. Shows how life is to short and too valuable to worry bout the little stuff. Also showed me on why I am SO kissING PROUD TO BE A FULL BLOODED AMERICAN!!!!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!

 

My buddy is a volunteer Fireman in Toms River, he and his squad went up Thursday and experienced the same thing you did.

 

The support there is pretty amazing.. :cool: :cheers:

 

Shows how life is to short and too valuable to worry bout the little stuff. Also showed me on why I am SO kissING PROUD TO BE A FULL BLOODED AMERICAN!!!!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!

Well said.

 

Thanks for helping out.

 

I went in Friday myself to do just about anything (see my earlier post).... there wasn't much to do, and I can understand why they've started telling people they have enough volunteers, etc - they are utlilizing an enormous amount of manpower just keeping the crowd of people from trying to get closer. I didn't get to help a whole lot, but I feel better by giving it a try and seeing first hand that everything possible is being done.....you've done well & should be proud to have shown your support :flag

 

mark i went today with my brother and got turned away. the support is overwhelming! i see what you meant about the people giving you food. we got hooked up with some gatorade! there were many people trying to go in. i guess today was bad since it's sunday

 

We finally got thru to Con Ed Friday morning as Electrical Engineers we thought we could be of some help. The guy on the other end said they had 1900 to 2100 Electrical people working around the clock and he took my number and said if they had any problems they would let us know. He also said that they had at least a 150 volunteers working with doctorate degrees in Electrical Engineering and most of them were on the wire pulling crews. I had to snicker on that one.
Jim Dawes :cheers: