ORLANDO, Fla. — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, first responders across the nation and in Central Florida are reflecting on the tragedy and its lasting impact.
A memorial at Ground Zero in New York honors approximately 3,000 lives lost in the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.
Orlando Fire Department Lt. Felix Marquez was leaving his shift with the New York City Fire Department on Sept. 11, 2001, marking the start of days spent searching through rubble for victims.
Marquez, a former New York City firefighter who has now served with the Orlando Fire Department for 21 years, has turned his experience into a ongoing mission to support and educate fellow first responders.
Orlando Fire Department Lt. Felix Marquez recalled the chaotic conditions at the World Trade Center during the attack and the sudden quiet as debris fell.
“The eerie part that always stays with me is how chaotic it was and then when the debris hit down, how silent it became. Like you heard nothing, like you had earmuffs on,” Marquez said.
In the years following the disaster, Marquez faced personal struggles and emotional pain related to his experiences at Ground Zero.
He explained that he initially kept those feelings to himself rather than opening up to relatives.
“What I realized in that dark space was for many years I never talked about it. Not even to my own family. I felt if you don’t talk about it, you’ll forget about it. I realized quickly that you don’t forget about it,” Marquez said.
Marquez also experienced long-term distress while continuing his career in fire service.
“I suffered, for many years with survivor’s guilt. The Lord saved me so I can continue to serve,” Marquez said.
Marquez now uses his past experiences to mentor younger firefighters and encourage first responders to focus on mental and emotional well-being alongside physical readiness.
“We feel talking about emotions becomes a sign of weakness. In no essence, showing that struggle shows a sign of courage,” Marquez said.
Reflecting on the legacy of the tragedy, Marquez noted that Sept. 11 altered everyday operations and readiness across the fire service.
“We have to constantly communicate. Constantly prepare. Train every day. Training matters, communication matters, brother and sisterhood matters,” Marquez said.
In addition to his active service in Orlando, Marquez works as an educator to share lessons learned with future generations of first responders.
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