Siller stood on the corner, catching his breath. Debris floated down all around him. FDNY scrambled everywhere, but none were from his company.

Siller tried to get his captain on two-way, but only got static. Siller grabbed a fireman.

“Which tower is One in?â€?

“Hell if I know!â€?

Siller looked up. He couldn’t see sky. Only black smoke.

The last few hours flashed across Siller’s mind. It was his day off and he was headed for the golf course when the news came on his scanner. Squad 1 was already inbound. Siller turned his car around to join them. He was stopped at the Battery Tunnel, which was closed to civilian traffic. Siller pulled over, strapped on his gear, and ran the last three miles to the towers.

Now he was at the base of the towers and his squad was in one of them. Every second made it less likely that they would get out, but they were in there helping others get out and Siller needed to be with them.

Siller made his choice. He mentally apologized to his wife and kids, and went in.