 25 Years of Service, Sacrifice and Resilience
Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, FEMA continues to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in New York City, Washington, D.C. and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This remains a moment in American history that deeply affects families, communities, first responders, public servants and the nation. The courage of the first responders, emergency managers, public servants and private citizens who answered the call during one of the nation’s darkest days will never be forgotten.
“As a nation, we mourn the innocent lives lost on 9/11 and remember them in our prayers. We also honor the legacy and heroism of those who helped pull our nation together in this trying time. America is better because of their sense of duty and bravery,” said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton.
FEMA’s acknowledgment of the tragic events that occurred years ago reflects the agency’s enduring commitment to readiness and service for communities. The work of public servants and partners across the country who help protect the homeland, strengthen preparedness and support national unity is critical. Their dedication and sacrifice remain central to FEMA’s mission of helping people before, during and after disasters and to the ongoing work of building a more prepared and resilient nation.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks forever changed how our nation prepares for and responds to disasters and emergencies. Through Ready.gov, created in the aftermath of that tragic day, FEMA continues to strengthen the nation’s resilience by building upon those lessons to help individuals, families and communities take steps to be better prepared for emergencies.
 Emmitsburg, Md. (September 10, 2026) - Frederick County Fire Honor Guard members lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the “To Lift a Nation” 9/11 Memorial and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial as part of the U.S. Fire Administration’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
On Thursday, September 10, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the National Emergency Training Center Chapel in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The ceremony brought together members of the fire and emergency services community to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to reflect on the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice and courage that continues to define the fire service 25 years later.
U.S. Fire Administrator Paul Matheis, National Fire Academy Superintendent Eriks Gabliks and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Family Programs Joanne Rund shared reflections on the heroic actions of the 343 New York City firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, as well as the EMTs, law enforcement officers, civilians and many first responders who later suffered and died from illnesses connected to their response at Ground Zero.
“On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters, 8 EMTs, 60 law enforcement officers and untold number of civilians whose lives were lost or forever changed,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Paul Matheis. “The 343 FDNY members who made the ultimate sacrifice remain a lasting symbol of the fire service’s highest calling: service before self. Their legacy serves as a testament to the U.S. Fire Administration’s mission to support, protect and strengthen America’s fire and emergency services.”
In his remarks, Matheis reminded attendees that the sacrifice of 9/11 did not end when the towers fell. In the days, months and years that followed, firefighters, rescue workers and volunteers continued to serve at Ground Zero under unimaginable conditions. Many later succumbed to cancers and illnesses caused by their exposure to toxic dust and debris. Their heroism, though not always captured in the images remembered from that day, remains an essential part of the legacy of 9/11.
“Heroes are not suddenly born in a moment of crisis,” Matheis reflected. “They are built, day by day, practice by practice, drill by drill, through an unwavering commitment to serve others.”
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Family Programs Joanne Rund spoke about the lasting impact of 9/11 on the families of the fallen and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s continued commitment to ensuring their loved ones are remembered, honored and never forgotten.
Following the chapel ceremony, participants, led by the Frederick County Fire Honor Guard, proceeded to the “To Lift a Nation” 9/11 Memorial and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial for wreath-laying ceremonies. The observance served as a solemn reminder that, 25 years later, the legacy of those lost continues to live on in every firehouse, every emergency response and every first responder who answers the call.
Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the images remain seared into America’s memory: a clear morning shattered by violence, first responders racing toward danger, families waiting for news and a nation changed forever.
That day, 2,983 innocent people were killed in the immediate impacts. Many more have died in the years since from illnesses linked to exposure at the attack sites.
Among the immediate victims were local first responders, including those serving with the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police Department and personnel from the Port Authority Police Department. Some of those same first responders also served in the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, established under the authority of FEMA in 1989.
To learn more about the Urban Search and Rescue System, it's response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and how the attacks transformed the system, read the blog at: 25 Years Later: Honoring Those Who Responded to 9/11.
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On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, we pause to remember those we lost and rededicate ourselves to our mission serving the American people.
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FEMA Corps Resumes, Application Period Open for 2027 Class
The FEMA Corps program has resumed and is accepting applications for its next class of future emergency managers. The FEMA Corps program is restarting after being carefully reviewed and refocused to align with FEMA’s core mission and the Trump Administration's priorities. About 80 members and 10 team leaders will be selected to serve from February 2027 to November 2027.
Apply to be a FEMA Corps Team Leader:
Apply to be a FEMA Corps Member:
FEMA Corps graduates may receive an education award upon completion, which can be used for tuition or student loans, and relocation expenses. Additionally, FEMA Corps members receive paid housing and a weekly stipend for food and living expenses, all while being deployed to serve communities in need across the country. To learn more, visit AmeriCorps NCCC.
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