George Campbell, a retired firefighter from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), has confronted the pain of the past in a profound way. Once unable to drive past the site of the former World Trade Center, where his colleagues perished during the September 11 attacks in 2001, he now dedicates his time to volunteering at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as a docent. His primary goal: to ensure that the stories of that fateful day remain alive.
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For over two decades, Campbell actively avoided the area surrounding the Twin Towers, taking a detour to bypass the haunting reminders of loss and trauma. However, following his retirement after 37 years in the FDNY in March 2025, he resolved to return to the site. “It was important for me that we keep the story alive,” Campbell shared, emphasising his commitment to remembrance.
Campbell’s duties at the museum often see him there several times a month, beginning his shifts before 9:30 a.m. and remaining for seven hours. Visitors from all over the world learn about Campbell’s personal connection to the events of September 11, as he was an active firefighter during that critical time. For ten months following the attacks, he was involved in the difficult work of recovering victims’ remains from the debris, contributing to the grief and healing process that the city was undergoing.
On the morning of the attacks, Campbell was unexpectedly delayed due to his daughter missing the school bus. As he transported her to school, he found himself driving across the George Washington Bridge—a sight that would change his life forever. Just as he crossed, the second hijacked plane crashed into the South Tower. “I saw that explosion,” he recalled, a moment seared into his memory.
Racing to his firehouse in the South Bronx, Campbell and his comrades commandeered a city bus to reach the scene. The bus driver, a veteran unfamiliar with the unfolding emergency, was directed by Campbell to a plume of smoke rising ominously over southern Manhattan. “We’re under attack,” Campbell urged, not fully comprehending the scale of devastation that awaited them.
As he and his fellow firefighters arrived at the site, they witnessed the collapse of the North Tower. Reflecting on those terrifying moments, Campbell recalled the mindset of his colleagues: “Every guy was like, ‘Alright, we got to get to work.’ You can’t process the fact that a couple thousand people just died.” Their focus shifted immediately to rescue and recovery efforts, often working amidst ruins that towered seven stories high, thick with dust that clung like a shroud.
Over the next two days, Campbell and his crew tirelessly searched through the wreckage, performing a task that was unimaginable. He noted how people gathered near the piles of rubble, offering refreshments and support. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s amazing,’” he said, recognising the solidarity that emerged in the face of catastrophe.
After spending ten months involved in the recovery efforts, Campbell had the solemn responsibility of working with a specialised GPS unit to document the locations of recovered body parts and personal belongings. The realities of his work hit home when he encountered a pair of boots, still with feet within them, belonging to someone he had known. “It was personal,” said Campbell, tapping into the emotional toll that such discoveries had on him.
Now, as a volunteer at the memorial, he seeks to communicate the profound loss and devastation of that day. He describes the uncertainty surrounding the number of lives lost, stating, “There were 220 stories or floors of office space. We did not find one chair, one desk, one phone, one computer, nothing but steel and dust.” Each visitor who walks through the museum is met with an experience shaped by Campbell’s intent to honour the memories of those who were lost.
His interactions with visitors often reveal a surprising emotional depth, particularly among international guests, many of whom share personal recollections of where they were when the attacks occurred. He remarked on the resonance of those memories: “They remember that day… and they get even emotional. I’m like, ‘That I never saw coming.’” Campbell particularly enjoys speaking to children, encouraging their curiosity and providing them with commemorative pins as a token of appreciation for thoughtful questions.
Outside of his volunteer work, Campbell cherishes time with his seven grandchildren and participates in travelling exhibits aimed at educating people about the events of September 11. “I like keeping the memory alive,” he asserted, also acknowledging the remarkable unity that emerged in the United States following the attacks.
Through his efforts, George Campbell embodies the resilience and strength of many who experienced that tragic day. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance, not only for those who were lost but also for the spirit of humanity that united people in the aftermath of tragedy.