Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 10, 2024 7:44 am GMT
Remembering 9/11: Lewistown Firefighter Shares His Experience
As the nation approaches the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, stories of heroism, unity, and resilience continue to emerge. One such story comes from Bob McCaa, a veteran firefighter from Lewistown, Pennsylvania, who recalls his harrowing experience during the aftermath of that fateful day.
From Shock to Action: McCaa’s Journey
On the morning of September 11, 2001, McCaa was watching the news when he witnessed the second plane strike the World Trade Center. “My wife asked me what I thought this was,” he recalled. “I told her we might have seen the start of World War III.” A seasoned firefighter with over four decades of experience, McCaa was prepared to spring into action.
Assembling the Team
Despite the uncertainty of the situation, McCaa soon received orders to join Pennsylvania’s Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team was primarily trained for earthquake response, and the unprecedented nature of the 9/11 attacks left many responders questioning their prepared roles. “We weren’t sure if we were going,” McCaa explained. Yet, the urgency of the moment compelled them to act.
Within days, McCaa and a group of responders loaded two tractor-trailers with equipment and boarded two Greyhound buses destined for New York City. “We knew we had a significant job ahead of us,” he said. Upon their arrival at Ground Zero, they established a base at a nearby convention center.
The Scene at Ground Zero
First Impressions
McCaa’s team arrived late in the day on September 12. The following morning, they were confronted with the grim reality of “the pile,” a towering mound of rubble that was once the World Trade Center. “It was hard to identify what it had been at one time,” McCaa stated as he described the chaotic scene. Led by trained logistics personnel, he focused on managing equipment distribution and ensuring the team’s resources were available for rescue efforts.
The Shift from Rescue to Recovery
Despite their initial intent to rescue survivors, McCaa observed that hope dwindled quickly. “I don’t suspect there was a lot of rescuing done after the first one or two days,” he noted. Safety remained a priority, with dedicated personnel monitoring conditions to protect responders from potential hazards.
A Legacy of Service
McCaa’s commitment to fire service runs deep; he comes from a lineage of firefighters. His grandfather served as chief in Gallitzin for over three decades, followed by his father in the same role until 1978. Bob himself began his firefighting career in Gallitzin in 1960 before moving to Lewistown, where he has continued to serve.
Family Tradition
The legacy has extended to the next generation, with McCaa’s son currently serving as a captain in Frederick, Maryland, with over a decade of experience. McCaa reflects on the importance of teamwork in firefighting: “I don’t know how much saving I did. I’ve seen a lot,” he shares. “There’s no ‘I’ in team.”
The Lasting Impact of 9/11
Two decades after the attacks, the legacy of 9/11 reshaped emergency response protocols across the United States. Urban search and rescue teams now face different threats and adapt their operations to respond to new challenges.
Stronger Together
The changes prompted improved training, better equipment, and enhanced coordination between agencies—all responses to the lessons learned from the tragedy. For firefighters like McCaa, their work remains not only a job but a calling, one characterized by bravery and selflessness.
Remembering the Spirit of Unity
As communities across America reflect on the impact of September 11, 2001, McCaa’s experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the courage displayed by first responders. “It’s a reminder that we come together when it matters most,” McCaa said, emphasizing the unity forged in the aftermath of the attacks.
A Call to Action
McCaa and his fellow firefighters joke that Lewistown’s fire trucks carry not just gear, but also the spirit and lessons learned from that tragic day. Their commitment to serve and protect reflects the enduring legacy of first responders everywhere.
Continued Reflections in 2024
This year, the commemoration of 9/11 comes in the wake of renewed discussions regarding national security and community support. Many fire departments across the country are hosting events to honor the victims and heroes of that day. Initiatives aim to foster community engagement and provide first responders with resources to continue their vital work.
In Lewistown, planned ceremonies invite local residents to come together, reflect on the past, and recognize the importance of first responders in maintaining safety and solidarity. These gatherings also serve as opportunities to educate younger generations about the significance of that day and the lessons learned.
McCaa, along with fellow firefighters, continues to promote awareness about the challenges faced by first responders, emphasizing the need for ongoing support for those who risk their lives daily. “It’s not just about remembering what happened,” he stated. “It’s about ensuring it doesn’t happen again.”
Conclusion: Honoring Heroes Past and Present
As we approach another anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the stories of firefighters like Bob McCaa remind us of the sacrifices made and the dedication of those who serve. The experiences of responders continue to shape emergency services today, promoting training and a united front against the unexpected challenges of the future.
For communities like Lewistown and beyond, the memories of that day carry weight, shaping the ethos of service and sacrifice that defines our first responders. In remembering 9/11, we honor those who lost their lives, those who served bravely, and those who carry the torch of service forward.
You can find out more about remembering important events by checking out the 9/11 Memorial. They have lots of resources and activities. If you want to help local firefighters and emergency services, think about reaching out to your nearby fire department or joining in on community projects.
