Ten House: A Living Memorial to 9/11 - The Last Witness's Story
Sal Argano, a New York City firefighter, narrowly escaped the events of September 11, 2001, as he was on loan to a Brooklyn station when the World Trade Center was attacked. Despite the devastation, his firehouse near Ground Zero survived, but six of his colleagues perished in the collapse. Now, 25 years later, Argano, at 65, remains the last firefighter from 2001 still serving at the firehouse, which has become a significant part of the 9/11 memorial visited by tourists daily.
The firehouse, known as Ten House, houses Engine 10 and Ladder 10, and serves as a memorial to the fallen firefighters. Visitors come to see the bronze relief listing the names of the 9/11 victims and often take selfies with the fire trucks. Captain Terence Brody, who joined the station in 2016, acknowledges the public's interest in the firehouse and the firefighters' role as living witnesses to the tragic events of 9/11.
During and after the 9/11 attacks, Ten House played crucial roles as a command center and a safe haven for first responders. The crew witnessed the area's transformation over the years, from a site of destruction to a memorial with waterfalls, a museum, and new skyscrapers. Firefighter Robert Favata, who joined Ladder 10 in 2008, reflects on the changes and the importance of preserving the firehouse's history for future generations.
Sal Argano, often found engaging with visitors outside the firehouse, emphasizes the unique responsibility of Ten House firefighters to honor the memory of 9/11 and represent the FDNY. He stresses the importance of treating visitors with respect, despite the challenges posed by curious tourists. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the firefighters at Ten House, like Favata and Brody, contemplate their roles in preserving the firehouse's legacy and passing on the stories of their fallen comrades.
While some firefighters, like Brody, prepare for retirement, Argano remains committed to sharing the history of Ten House and the events of 9/11 with future generations. He believes that as long as he can remember and recount the firehouse's history, its significance will not be lost. The dedication of the firefighters at Ten House serves as a testament to the resilience and memory of those who lost their lives on that fateful day.