CLERMONT, Fla. – Dozens from all over the U.S. gave powerful speeches and prayers on Tuesday to honor the lives of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed during the 9/11 terror attacks.
”I started walking south on Broadway staring up in mind, trying to figure out what I thought happened. When I got to Broadway and Worth, I saw the second tower hit. Obviously, we knew it wasn’t an accident,” said Clermont Police Officer Rob Corbett
Corbett was there during that tragic day, working as a lieutenant with the NYPD to save victims.
”We know that, for instance, 23 members of the NYPD and 343 members of FDNY died that day, but it’s literally thousands now that have died since that day,” said Corbett.
The former NYPD lieutenant said he’s still living with gripping memories of the attacks and the recovering bodies from the debris.
He also suffers from sleep apnea, GERD and chronic rhinitis, which he gained while exposed to toxins at Ground Zero.
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“it’s not covered often and a lot of people don’t realize it’s a continuing thing that we’re living with. thankfully, my illnesses are minor, but there are people dying of cancer from their exposure in their work down at the World Trade Center,” said Corbett.
Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway was also working recovery efforts with NYPD during that time
“Sure, the recovery was a very challenging time, uncertain about how many lies were lost. I’m uncertain about who is alive and who is not alive, uncertain about the safety of everyone there at Ground Zero,” Chief Broadway said.
Broadway said what he remembers most about that day is people lifting each other up.
”I saw the best of America, so people coming together and putting differences aside, working together to bring resolved to one of the most horrific situations that I’ve experienced my lifetime,” he said.
Both first responders say that they’re thankful for all the support, prayers and heartfelt words during this time. They’re also encouraging people to support charities, helping victims and survivors recover.
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