A group of Union County deputies worked in NY on 9/11. Here are their stories

Erika Jackson
·2 min read

Retired Mount Vernon, New York Det. Thomas Luisa can still smell the smoke and feel the ash from the terror attacks on Sept. 11.

Twenty-two years later, Luisa said he carries the weight of that day in his heart and on his arm.

“I just got this as a remembrance for 9/11 and to never forget,” Luisa said while showing a tattoo on his arm.

Luisa said he remembers darting to Manhattan minutes after learning a second plane hit the World Trade Center.

“I was close enough when the building started to come down. If I didn’t put myself in running mode, it would’ve fallen on top of me,” Luisa explained.

ALSO READ: Memorial set up in Uptown to honor 9/11 victims

Luisa recalled desperately trying to get people to safety, no matter the sacrifice.

“We were down there that day. And after that, that day, just trying to get people out. Mental health-wise, I can’t go back. I went back. A couple of years ago, with my son -- I just broke down,” Luisa said.

Luisa now works as a school resource officer with the Union County Sheriff’s Office. He patrols alongside a handful of retired New York City law enforcement.

Former New York Police Department officers Neil Sullivan and Joseph Chimenti said they understand the struggle after serving in New York on 9/11.

“People [would] come up to you crying with pictures of their loved ones, saying, ‘Did you see him?’ And you knew it was sad because they were they were gone,” said Neil Sullivan, who is also a school resource officer with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of the victims wait in line to recite their name during the bell-ringing ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Visitors listen to the roll call of names of the victims during a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A person walks near Ground Zero with a Remember 9/11 flag on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Family and friends honored the lives of their lost loved ones on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, that killed nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Visitors listen to the roll call of names of the victims during a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A flower is left on a name at the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Two people embrace during a moment of silence at Ground Zero on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Family and friends honored the lives of their lost loved ones on the 22nd anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, that killed nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A relative of one of the victims pays his respects at the Wall of Names before a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: The Wall of Names catches the early morning light before a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: People visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Alternate crop.) A relative of one of the victims pays her respects at the Wall of Names before a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Visitors stroll through the national park grounds during a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 11, 2023 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The nation is marking the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center, Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: People visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of victims visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participates in a wreath laying ceremony during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of victims visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of victims visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of victims visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Victim's names are seen in a program during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani attends services at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 11: A jogger runs past American flags flying at half staff around the Washington Monument on the National Mall on September 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. Leaders are observing the 22nd anniversary of the terror attacks around the country with first lady Jill Biden attending a ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and U.S. President Joe Biden speaking to service members in Alaska. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A man wearing a firefighter's uniform visits the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Family, politicians, police, firefighters and others pay their respects as they visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan for commemoration ceremonies during the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Firefighters and members of the police take part in the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan during commemoration ceremonies for the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Family, politicians, police, firefighters and others pay their respects as they visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan for commemoration ceremonies during the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detail of a wreath as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (not pictured) participates in a wreath laying ceremony during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stands with Vice President Kamala Harris (center) and New York Governor Kathy Hochul as they attend services at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detail of a wreath as U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (not pictured) participates in a wreath laying ceremony during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Firefighters and members of the police take part in the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan during commemoration ceremonies for the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Members of the Navy participate in a moment of silence during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 11: A jogger carries the American flag as they run along the National Mall on September 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. Leaders are observing the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks around the country with first lady Jill Biden attending a ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and U.S. President Joe Biden speaking to service members in Alaska. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Family members of victims attend a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Retired police officer Sam Pulia places flags on the names along the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Police and firefighters visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Diane walks with a picture of her former husband Michael Massaroli as eople visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Retired police officer Sam Pulia places flags on the names along the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Retired firefighter Vincent Forras holds an American Flag with the names of September 11 victims while at the 9/11 Memorial at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2023 in New York City. Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A rose is placed on a bench at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: First responders watch as an American flag is unfurled during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A first responders watches as an American flag is unfurled during a ceremony observing the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon on September 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. The Defense Department held a remembrance ceremony for the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People walk through the Westfield World Trade Center, also known as the Oculus, near the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: A woman mourns by a name at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in lower Manhattan as the nation prepares to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 10, 2023 in New York City. Monday will mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93. In total, the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and commenced a global war on terror which included American led conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Chimenti proudly sports his World Trade Center ribbon on his USCO uniform. He said he wears it because his police academy classmate Tommy Schoales never got the chance to.

“He happened to be downtown on Engine 4. And he was one of the first engines in … he did not make it out that day. So one of my goals every year is to remember Tommy,” Chimenti explained.

The three SROs will be wearing bracelets that read “Never Forget” for the 22nd anniversary of the attacks.

“We should remember that day. Remember all the lives that were lost that day and we continue to lose that day, from that day,” Luisa said.

The New York Fire Department said 331 firefighters have since died from 9/11-related illnesses. That’s approaching the number of New York firefighters killed in the Twin Towers.

VIDEO: Memorial set up to honor 9/11 victims in Uptown