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Friday, July 30, 2010 | Serving Del Rio and Val Verde County: Since 1929
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County firefighters hear from 9/11 responder
Published March 14, 2010
Val Verde Fire Rescue members got a chance to hear what it was like at ground zero in the days following the worst act of terrorism our country has experienced. Retired Deputy Fire Chief Arthur Cave of Indiana met at the firehouse Friday night to talk about his 9/11 experiences.
Newly retired, Cave dedicates his time to fire and rescue teams all across the country. He helps team members sharpen their skills by sharing his stories and assisting with training.
Cave was part of The Marion County Rescue Task Force, made up of five strike teams; search, rescue, hazardous materials, medical, and logistics. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent the 90-person team to the World Trade Center site the day after the attacks. There are currently 28 Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces around the country used to rescue victims of natural or man-made events.
The Marion County Rescue Task Force sent search specialists, K-9 units, bus drivers, paramedics, and emergency room doctors, just to name a few. Each volunteer was equipped with enough supplies to last for 10 days. Cave served as a Hazardous Materials Specialist.
The Marion County team drove through the night and reached the city around 10 a.m. on September 12. One of the first sights Cave recalls as they entered the city; ambulances. “Five rows of ambulances lining the streets as far as you can see, but no patients.”
The team spent 8 days at the site searching for survivors and removing debris. Each team member worked 12-hour shifts, although most of the time was spent waiting for permission to be on the site.
Cave described the mood at the scene. “Lots of emotions running really high, you had to watch what you said and who you talked to.” Cave described the whole experience as emotionally draining and the team felt both underutilized and frustrated they were unable to do more.
Since the terrorist attacks there have been thousands of lawsuits filed from 9/11 rescue workers suffering from various upper respiratory diseases. This past week the city has worked out a $657 million settlement to be distributed among 10,000 workers. The deal still needs to be reviewed by Judges at a “fairness hearing” scheduled for April 12.
The thick dust that coated the city after the buildings had fallen contained particles of concrete, and insulation, and other building materials. Cave recalls seeing cars covered with the thick dust making them barely recognizable.
The Marion Rescue team made sure air purifying respirators were used at all times on and around the site. Cave said he saw many New York responders using only dust masks, or abandoning protection altogether. To date, Cave and the other Marion County team members have not suffered any ill effects from their rescue efforts.
By the end of the week spirits were down, and the team was eager to return to their families. “The dogs were depressed just as much as the rest of us.” Cave recalls.
“For as emotionally draining as it was to be at the site, coming home felt worse,” Cave said. To the team’s surprise, downtown Indianapolis was packed with locals welcoming them home.
“The workers wanted to see their families and no one else. Most of us felt we weren’t used to our fullest capacity. We felt we hadn’t done what we thought we could have,” he said.
The Marion Team however was appreciative of the support. “Regardless of what you did there, you went, they didn’t, this is how they get to be a part of this,” said Cave.
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