I went to High School many, many years ago with a guy named Carlos Lillo. He was interested in getting into the Emergency Medical Services. Since I was already involved, I steered him in the right direction. A few months later he arrived at the local volunteer ambulance service where I was. I trained him and he became a great EMT. I went on to work in the New York City Emergency Medical Service which later became FDNY EMS. Carlos was quick to follow. I went on to be a Lieutenant and he a Paramedic.

Carlos ran into an old classmate, Cecilia and went on to marry her. She worked for the Port Authority. Three years ago today, shortly after the first plane hit the World Trade Center, Carlos' Medic unit was deployed from Queens to the WTC.

Carlos was very worried about his wife but knew he needed to assist the injured coming out of the towers. Carlos was assigned to the triage area in the plaza. Cecilia remembered what Carlos taught her about emergencies and persevered in getting out of the towers. Carlos was relieved for a break and told a partner he was going to check the 64th floor where Cecilia worked. Moments later the tower collapsed.

Carlos was one of two FDNY EMS Paramedics who died that day along with hundreds of other emergency personnel.

Spending time between the site and funerals became the norm for months.

There were many people I worked with who ran in while others were running out who were never seen again.

They are our heroes and we will never forget them.

I apologize for this post not being airline security related but maybe you may understand my commitment to ensuring something like this never happens again. We all know the imperfections we face and we agree, but I am personally trying to better the agency for Carlos and you.