EA2265

11-72

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

HAND-WRITTEN MEMORANDUM

To: Lt. Edward Gutch

From: PO Chris Gysin - #1526

Date: 11/11/2001

Subject: 9/11 WTC Disaster

When the first airplane struck Tower #1. I arrived at Newark Traffic Court with PO Franco. PO Faustina and PO

Leqeic. We heard the radio transmission from Sqt. Sulewski asking if a plane had struck the WTG. Within

moments, the desk was able to confirm that this did indeed happen. At this time, per the desk, we returned to

Newark Airport for mobilization to assist at the site.

Upon our return to Newark Airport, we supplied the police van with numerous quantities of firefiohting gear. SCBA's

and additional Scott, bottles and departed to the WTC with the following units: PO Gvsin. PO McClain. PO Gattulo.

PO Faustina. PO Leqeic and PO Gavin under the direction for Sqt. Borawski. Sat. Sulewski and Lt. Podolak who

departed in separate patrol cars. While we were en route to the WTC, the 2nd plane hit the WTC.

Upon arrival at the WTC. we initially stopped on Vessev St. outside WTC building #7. meeting up with Pet. Sgt.

Leather and Pet. Selby. At this time. Lt. Podolak requested a roll call of all manpower at the scene to maintain

control. While this was occurring. Sot. McGarry from PATH met up with us and we all walked down to the PAPD

command post which was located at Vessev & West St. where we received direction from the incident commander.

Upon our arrival here, we met up with Sol. Flynn. ESU. who requested manpower to suit up in protective gear,

including SCB&At this time. I was able to put mv bunker pants on and secure mv weapon in mv bunker pocket. As

I was putting on mv turnout coat. I started to hear a rumble and observed manv people running bv. retreating North

on West St. Subsequently. I was shortly engulfed bv the cloud of debris from the collapse of Tower 2. I could no

longer run due to the lack of visibility and the feeling of eminent suffocation, so I utilized my turnout coat sleeve to

create an air pocket to filter the air as best as possible until the doud lifted. I was immediately assisted bv Sgt.

Demarco. PO McCarthy and EMS personnel and was given oxygen. After a short while. I advised EMS to attend to

other people who might need assistance.

We were approximately 1 block North from Vessev St. and were attempting to reorganize manpower and

equipment. At this point, while organizing a second attempt to get to the Towers to assist with the rescue of the

many possible officers who might be trapped in the collapse of Tower 2, we were forced to retreat North on West

St. when Tower 1 also collapsed.

At this point, most of the PA manpower were being directed to a school amphitheater in order to account for all

manpower under the direction of Chief Morris (formally Insptr Morris). Due to a gas leak scare, we left that area

and made our way to Manhattan Community College. Due to the uncertainty of additional collapse and the

subsequent fires, all personnel were kept from the area. We had numerous arrivals at the College of medical

supplies, food and tools. Throuoh the efforts of all the manpower, we were able to set up a triage area, an area for

emergency crews to eat, and area to get necessary equipment. During this time. PO Lim. who had just been

removed from the Tower 1 collapse, arrived at the triage area for medical attention under a roar of cheers from

everyone at the command center. He was further transported to the hospital.

At approximately 2100 hrs. under the direction of those in charge, all non-ESU personnel were returned to their

respective commands. When arriving back at Newark Airport at building 10. we were briefed by Police volunteers

who assisted us with counseling and informed us of what we might be feeling over the next days and weeks. At

2200 hours. I signed off duty, scheduled to return at 0645 hrs.

The following dav. Sept. 12th. I returned to Newark Airport and due to the heightened alert, additional security at the

airport and the airport shut down. I was assigned to provide security at guard post for 12 hours.

The following dav. Sept. 13th. I returned to Newark Airport and was assigned the WTC site 7PM to 7AM with Sqt.

Gorman. PO Schell. PO Calia. PO Griqlio. and PO Cunningham. We assisted in the attempt to rescue and/or

recover victims. We assisted with the "bucket brigade" and digging.

Signature

I have read and am familiar with this report

SUPERVISOR - SUPERIOR

(TO 6£ USED FOR HANDWRITTEN REPORTS ONLY)