(LKLV) 25 YEARS LATER, FDNY FIREFIGHTER REFLECTS ON 9/11 (9aET)

Firefighter Joe Esposito was on vacation when two hijacked airplanes struck the towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He reported for duty when he learned of the severity of the incident that was currently unfolding in downtown Manhattan. Also on duty that day, his brother, FDNY Captain Michael Esposito, and his cousin, Frank Esposito, a firefighter from Engine 235. Both were killed when the towers collapsed that morning, making them two of the over 300 New York City firefighters who were killed in the attacks. 11 other victims came from Rescue 5 in Staten Island, the firehouse where Joe Esposito was stationed. 25 years later, as he reflects on that day and the recovery work he did at the scene in the days and weeks to come, Joe remembers having to put aside the sense of grief he felt. “We pulled together and did what we had to do,” Esposito says. “We had to do our job, regardless of our emotions.” Correspondent Leigh Waldman spoke to Esposito as America and the world reflect on the September 11th Attacks 25 years later.