Our students were not alive on September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed the United States. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and multiple commercial aircraft left an indelible mark on our nation. To help our students understand the profound impact of these events, we are sharing personal stories from community members who experienced that day.
Lindsay Jaehnig: Engineer/Paramedic, Destin Fire Control District
Ms. Jaehnig watched the events of September 11, 2001 unfold from her couch. As she watched in horror, she was inspired to help people, which is ultimately why she became a paramedic and is so passionate about her job today.
Geoff Duplessis: Firefighter/ Paramedic, Destin Fire Control District
Mr. Duplessis loves that he gets to go out each day and make a difference in people’s lives.
Thank you, Mr. Duplessis, for sharing your experience. We will never forget.
Doug Kocour: Captain, Destin Fire Control District
The terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 motivated Captain Doug Kocour to become a Fire Fighter. He serves to help people in life or death situations.
John Wohlfarth: School Resource Officer, Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Wohlfarth, School Resource Officer at Edwins Elementary, shares his experience on September 11, 2001 as a Police Officer with the New York Police Department. He reported to Ground Zero on his day off to help as many people as he could.
Yusef Gomez: Technical Sergent, USAF
Technical Sergeant Yusef Gomez took time to share his experience as a ten-year-old living in the Bronx, New York, on September 11, 2001, less than 20 miles from Ground Zero. He shares how the world changed that morning and why he decided to join the Air Force.
Audrey Adams: 911 Dispatcher
Audrey Adams, Assistant Manager of Communications for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, shared her heartfelt reflections on her experience as a 9-1-1 Operator in Okaloosa County during 9/11. Her story reminds us of the bravery and resilience shown by so many.
More testimonies coming throughout the week leading up to Patriot Day, September 11, 2024.