PA 2265 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

11 -72 HAND-WRITTEN MEMORANDUM

~" "o: Lieut. Ed Gutch

From: P.O. Steven Russell #1528
Date: 11/01/01
Subject: Emergency response on 9/11/01

Sir;

On the morning of Sept. 11th, 2001, I was assigned to the Emergency Service Unit at LaGuardia Airport
on the 6x2 shift. Upon learning of the disaster at The WTC, I resonded with our Emergency Rescue truck
to the rear of the Police building where a motorcade of Officers was forming up under the command of
then Inspector. J. Morris. Inspector Morris, Lieut. Sepulveda, members of our Detective unit and other
Police Officers responded at that time, via the B-Q-E.

Upon arriving on scene at Vessey and West Street, Lieut. Sepulveda came over to me and directed me
to standby my location until he located the primary Command Post and was given directions to deploy
the LGA units. As we were waiting, we observed the fire and thick smoke continue to consume the WTC,
and then observed individuals fall from many floors up. Shortly afterwards, the first building to collapse
came down and rained upon us a tremendous amount of debris, smoke and concrete duct. So much, in
fact, that we were unable to see each other at all. We were able to run to the other side of the Rescue
truck immediately before the smoke and dust reached us. It seemed to take an enormous amount of time
""^•rfore the air would clear up, so I located Lieut. D. Carbonnaro and a couple other officers near me and
~ntered the rear of the truck where the air was clear. I took a 2 gallon jug of water from the truck and
washed our faces off and cleared our throats to the best of our ability. After we caught our breath, we
exited the truck and proceeded to clean off our faces and outer parts of our uniforms utilizing the air hose
on the truck.

At that time, Lieut. Carbonaro instructed me to relocate the rescue truck away from the remaining
building, in case there was a secondary collapse. I drove the truck as other Officers walked alongside,
approx. 4-5 blocks north on West Street. At that location, Lieut. Carbonaro attempted to use the truck
radio to contact the Command Post again, but to no avail. He stated to me that for now, LGA Truck #7
would be used as the Command Post. After a short while, a few more Port Authority Police Officers
arrived at our location, and awaited instructions. Then we all heard another loud rumbling sound. We
looked down West Street, only to see the second collapse taking place. Again, the smoke and dust and
debris was so great, we all started to run up north on West Street. Not until we reached North Moore
Street did we stop. We then went inside a school and Sgt. Flynn started to take names of all Officers
present for accountability. We were then instructed to remove all the Scott Air Packs and bottles from the
trucks (PATH Rescue Truck showed up at that time), as well as other tools that could be utilized in the
rescue attempt. As we were doing so, we were advised of a possible bomb threat to the school we were
using, so we all evacuated the building until K-9 could do a search.

At that time, I was instructed by Sgt. Flynn to remain with the two trucks to assist with tool distribution, as
well as standby with the special weapons on both trucks.
(—-^

Signature

I have read and am familiar with this report

 During the next 20 hours or so, I remained with the 2 trucks, assisting with receiving tools and equipment
from the P.A. stockroom and outside vendors as well.

"•' also assisted in removing and securing remaining tools and equipment from JFK's Truck #8 that was
Brought up to our location after it was damaged at the scene earlier.

When Police Officers from PATH took an inventory of special weapons taken from JFK Truck #8 as well
as theirs, I assisted them in cleaning them off with the air hose from LGA Truck #7.

After conferring with Sgt. Flynn about whether or not truck #7 was needed at my location, Inspector
Morris advised me to return to LGA with the truck and to make sure it was taken over to P.A. Auto Shop
at LGA to be cleaned and serviced, as it was completely covered with dust, inside and out.

After returning to LGA, I washed the exterior of the truck and then took it over to the Auto Shop.

I secured from duty around 0930 hrs on Weds, September 12th.

I returned to LGA at 1845 Hrs for a 12 hour tour of duty at the site of the disaster. After that, I resumed
with the 12 hour tours, working mostly at LGA, but returning to the WTC site on September 13, 25,
October 2, 7, 10, 16 and 19,

Signature

I have read and am familiar with this report