9/11 Stories: Retired FDNY Billy Martin

27 year old New York City firefighter Billy Martin says divine intervention saved his life, probably twice, on 9/11. Billy’s firehouse, Engine 83, was located in The Bronx. After the second tower was hit, his team was sent out. Martin says they were handed a sheet telling them where to report but they didn’t look at it, assuming they were ordered to The World Trade Center. On the highway, before getting to midtown, the Captain finally looked at the ticket. They were actually supposed to report to a firehouse in Harlem to join a convoy to The World Trade Center. Martin says had they never looked at the ticket, they would have gotten there much sooner and probably would have been in one of the towers that collapsed. Martin adds had they looked at the ticket when they first got it, EVERYONE in the staging area in Harlem would have been down there earlier. Billy surmises their mistake saved 50 lives. As it was, the FDNY lost 343 of New York’s bravest that day.
Martin says the most painful memory that day came after midnight, when they were ready to head back to their firehouse in The Bronx. Another member of the FDNY saw they were leaving and asked for a ride to his firehouse, Engine 54. As they drove up to his firehouse, Martin saw a group of women outside: wives and girlfriends crying, waiting for their men. As his rig pulled up, the women thought their guys were there. He will never forget their reaction when they realized the worst. 14 men from Engine 54 never came back to their loved ones. Billy says , “Of all the crappy things I saw that day, this hurt most”.

[rosiebella]

When it happened Ireland shut all schools & many businesses for 3 days to show respect, solidarity & mourning for America. They held vigils, church & prayer services & put American flags everywhere, on their homes, cars, stores, streets. We will never forget that day. Seems like it was yesterday. The horror & shock the whole world felt watching it unfold. The world stood still that day. Ireland stands with America. Never Forger. God Bless USA

[reginanedwards]

I personally know Billy Martin as I work with him 2 to 3 times per month. Never knew that he served in such great capacity. Most men with high egos would have continually talked about their heroism. But not one word from Billy. So thankful that I was Blessed to hear his story today. I saw God's hand on him and others as Billy shared his story . And now God is using Billy to encourage others to surrender their lives to Christ. What the devil meant for harm God made it for good. I salute you Billy and commend you for your bravery!
Shout out to all who assisted with the tragedy on 9/11; Thank You! May God continue to give you all peace and comfort as we reflect on 9/11.

[SOBRANTE]

I personally know this guy. He's a very kind and inspiring individual.

[quinnlovescats]

I’ve seen so much 9/11 footage of after the towers fell and I had no idea that those alarm were alarms attached to firefighters. Thats just awful. First responders are heroes❤️‍🩹

[myopinion]

His last statement was one of the most poignant things he said… ‘I’m here so everyone doesn’t forget, because I think we have’… I’ve talked to many of my nieces and nephews about 9/11 and recently I’ve stressed more about the aftermath and the feeling of unity in our country. We’ve sadly lost that

[LunaShimmyDiva]

Mr Martin we will never forget 911! But now we know a little bit more about the tragedy, and what all the brave first responders faced. So, please keep telling your story. We are listening.

[johnomahony]

NEVER FORGOTTEN THE ONES WE LOST AND UNFORTUNATELY 23 YEARS LATER WE CONTINUE TO LOSE 🙏❤️

[cherylstaples]

God bless your dear heart, son. Please know, us older folks cried like babies many a day with you from afar, and will never, ever forget. 9/11 will always be a sacred day of mourning in my heart, from NC. My sister, brother and his wife and I drove up to NYC some years back to pay our respects at the memorial fountain. It was just before the museum was ready to open so we missed out on that, but Lord willing, we will go once more to visit there one day. My prayers are ever with you all, as a retired nurse, I know the health issues are a plague on survivors of the clean up crews.

[Amariiiiie]

I admit that I am one of the ones who “forgot”….. years can go by without me thinking of 9/11. The day comes or it passes and I am briefly reminded and I take it for granted. I was in 11th grade when it happened. I was disturbed and traumatized by the events then, but as the years went by, I distanced myself from it. The last few days, something compelled me to start searching up the story of survivors and here I am listening to this story. I am sorry to have been one of the ones who forgot, but I am thankful that many have not stopped telling their stories. Their experiences are valuable and need to be preserved so that we never take for granted what we have. So that we never forget the beauty of the human spirit. So that we never forget the pain and suffering of innocent lives and the void left in their families and friends. I will remember. And I will share my memory, their memories, and the memory of that horrific day on 9/11/2001.

[SFGal]

A spiritual warrior. His account is riveting with all the nuances, details. Excellent articulate storyteller. I can follow in my mind, as if watching Spielberg direct a Grisham novel. May Life always be kind to you and your loved ones, Billy Martin.

[californiahiker]

Billy, people didn’t forget. I don’t have any NY connections, but I’m here to listen to as many 9/11 stories as I can. I assure you people living on the other side of the country are thinking of you. Those who remember are from all walks of life. I watched the terror attacks unfold on TV. I am horrified and saddened by the loss of life. I will never forget! Bless you, and thank you for your sacrifices!

[SaidiLouise]

How was he 27 then and only looks 37? Thank you for all you did that day and continued/continue to do. Thank you.

[jackwoods]

Most of us do not appreciate enough of what these Firefighters do for us...They were walking TOWARD the obliterated Buildings and going into them and UP many floors into the Smoke and Fire to Rescue people...We all know how BAD this situation was and going IN those burning buildings was a DEATH TRAP...Yet they all went IN anyway...Courage

[dinarivas]

Very emotional story. Thank you for sharing. We will never forget 9/11.

[michellemahar]

When he said, "why send someone compromised. Just send me, " it reminds me of how parents feel for their children. It is that caregiver mentality. I have PTSD for different reasons, and I understand the drive of wanting to do more. We always want to believe we can give more. You gave so much and it is appreciated.

[survivormary]

The dust that was like sand. It was so horrible. Glad your schoolmate didn't listen and lived. Glad you lived too. I hope you all get real justice for this travesty.

[jax____]

Its ironic when u said it was a complete accident that y'all didn't go where y'all were suppose to that fateful day, but I think y'all were EXACTLY where y'all were supposed to be!! God bless you and everyone one that day for doing what y'all do, you guys are all true HEROS!!

[RubyBandUSA]

You FDNY guys are studs! You always were, are, and always will be champions and heroes!! Admiration and respect from San Francisco Bay p.s. with a name like Billy Martin it is ironic you are not a Yankee fan 😉

[denisejaydub]

When he started crying 💔💔💔 I’m so sorry for what you endured

[carolwoodward]

I am a decided atheist, but I don’t begrudge others for their faiths, provided their their faiths are humane. I just don’t understand the need to comment negatively about his experience and beliefs.