With service and sacrifice

‘How one day changed the emotional fabric of first responders’

The words “We will never forget” remain a lasting promise that honors the 2,977 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Twenty-five years later, this phrase continues to unite the nation in remembering those lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, while honoring the citizens and first responders who, with courage and sacrifice, willingly helped those in need.

That day changed our nation forever. As we commemorate the anniversary, we look back with sorrow for the lives lost and with deep gratitude for the brave first responders who ran toward the infernos to save others. We also honor the perseverance our nation is known for — the desire to rebuild with renewed strength and determination.

Barrie-Lyn Foster, a member of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), serves as a chaplain for the organization. As the pastor of the United Church of Genoa, New York, Foster counsels and supports firefighter families with emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual care. It was the iconic photo of Father Mychal Judge being carried from the wreckage of the World Trade Center that prompted her to become a fire chaplain.

“9/11 changed the emotional fabric of being a first responder,” said Foster. “I don’t know anyone who could pretend everything was okay anymore. Our pain was real, knowing it could have been any one of us. That reality can be quite a heavy load to carry.”

John Kilpatrick served 37 years as a volunteer firefighter in Mattydale and was a career firefighter for the Syracuse Fire Department, retiring as a district chief last year. “I think that people have to realize that firefighters are involved in every bad incident, even if only for a short period of time,” he said. “These incidents stay with you. Mental health professionals and chaplains can help first responders deal with these incidents and prevent them from bringing them home with them.”

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and pastor of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII Parishes in Liverpool, Father Zachary Miller is often on the scene of emergency situations and has seen how deeply difficult events can affect people.

As someone who has ministered, and continues to minister to firefighters, police officers, medical workers, and members of the military, Fr. Zach said the first thing to remember is that everybody responds differently to events. Understanding that is an important first step in helping someone process and reflect on what happened.

“There is a strong family feeling at fire stations that helps people heal, explained Fr. Zach. At the same time, he said, like any family or organization, there are challenges, including different personalities and relationships. Fr. Zach said that for law enforcement, it is slightly different because many police officers spend their shifts on patrol alone or with just one other officer.

“Because of this, their understanding of family often includes the entire police force.” Fr. Zach said that police officers tend to hold things to themselves, or share their thoughts with only a few people they trust — people who will listen to their challenges without judgement. “Having trusted peers, chaplains, family members, and other support people can make a real difference,” said Fr. Zach. “Sometimes, the most important thing (for first responders) is simply knowing that someone is willing to listen and walk alongside them.”

Patrick St. Thomas IV was a New York City police officer who was assigned to the 6th precinct in Greenwich Village soon after the planes struck the World Trade Center. He and the other officers from the precinct were assigned to cover security detail around the perimeter of the buildings as bodies were being removed from the rubble. St. Thomas said the experience was humbling, and it wasn’t until he looked back that he realized how horrific the experience was.

“Sadly, you don’t have the time to reflect because you are on to the next assignment,” he said.  “Seeing the things we saw, we definitely leaned on each other afterwards. We still lean on each other. You become family with these other officers — going on trips together, attending First Communions and baptisms … we have a bond because of what we’ve gone through together.”

After 9/11, St. Thomas moved to the grand larceny task force, where he served for six years before being injured in apprehending a perpetrator who was part of a truck burglary operation. While assisting a fellow officer to capture a suspect, he dislocated his shoulder and tore muscles in his shoulder and back. After seven surgeries and other complications, the injury ended his career as a police officer.

Living with purpose and faith

St. Thomas turned to his faith for strength and comfort. His parish priest offered him spiritual guidance and understanding. “When I returned to Upstate New York, I was struggling because I was going through a divorce in addition to my injuries,” St. Thomas recalled. Yet, amid the challenges of rebuilding his life, a new chapter began when he met his fiancé. Today, they are raising six children together, drawing on their shared Catholic faith to anchor and strengthen their relationship.

“A lot of times, it is during crises that we turn to our faith so we don’t have to live in the darkness of the moment,” added Fr. Canorro. “In every year of our lives, there are times of crisis. “Don’t wait for a crisis to be close to God. God will always be with us, but we have to make sure we are living our faith every day.”

St. Thomas said work was an important part of his life. In 2011, he was hired by the Oneida Indian Nation Gaming Commission. In 2024, on his way home from work, a tractor-trailer crossed into his lane and hit his car. His car spun out and pushed him into the left lane, where a second tractor-trailer hit him. A few minutes later, he was struck a third time by an oncoming car. St. Thomas suffered from a traumatic brain injury, neck, and back injuries that required two surgeries, and multiple other medical and cognitive issues.

“It is by the grace of God that I am still here,” St. Thomas said. Knowing he needed to find a new purpose, he joined the Westmorland Fire Department so he could continue to help others and impact his community in some way. He also joined the Red Cross emergency response team and became a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians — an Irish Catholic fraternal organization that supports the Catholic Church and engages in charity and community service.

“The unity of that group helped me through some of the toughest times in my life,” he said. “I’ve met brothers across the state who have become good friends and we can lean on each other during tough times.”

“Sometimes,” said Fr. Zach, “people who are suffering can feel alone or forgotten. All we can do is be present with one another; to help them understand that they are not suffering alone and that God has been with them throughout their suffering.”

“Being present and showing up is the second most important thing I do, prayer being the first,” added FASNY chaplain Foster. “I pray for wisdom, the right words, and for whatever is needed in the situation. Prayer is essential to being whole and full of the Lord’s blessed Holy Spirit.”

New York firefighters and rescue workers are seen Sept. 11, 2001, carrying Franciscan Father Mychal Judge, a chaplain with the New York Fire Department, who died while giving last rites to a firefighter following terrorist attacks that would soon bring down the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Catholic family members who lost loved ones that day have credited their faith with getting through the losses. (OSV News photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters)

Fr. Joe Salerno, chaplain, Utica Fire and Police 

“On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, I remember that day as though it were yesterday. After facing the initial shock of the planes striking the towers, I did my best simply to be present for the members of my parish in their horror and disbelief. This was especially true for the firefighters and police officers of the Greater Utica area, particularly those who went down to New York City to help. As a reminder of that day, I keep a framed picture of Father Michael Judge, the New York City chaplain, in my room.”

Dual roles done with love:

Although priests are stretched thin because of the declining number of priests that now oversee multiple parishes, those who love ministering to first responders, families, and parishioners find the time to do so because they love what they do, explained Fr. John Canorro, a fire chaplain and pastor of St. Paul in Whitesboro and St. Leo-St. Ann in Holland Patent. “We make time to do what we love — whether you’re a skier, golfer, or whatever, you find time to do it. If it were mandated, it would become work.”

Father Canorro recalled a time when, as an EMT, he was attending to a man in cardiac arrest. “When it was ‘called,’ and there was nothing more we could do, I went over to the family to comfort them. One of the firefighters who was part of the ambulance crew commented that it was the most impressive thing he had seen — that I was acting in both roles — as an EMT and a priest. It’s a complex role,” he said. “As a priest, you are available for not only your parishioners but for first responders if they need to talk more deeply about what they are going through. It is part of your ministry.

“In our worst days, whenever that may be, our faith helps us get through challenging times,” said Fr. Canorro. He recalled an incident where someone had passed away at the scene of an incident, and it was evident the person was Catholic. “I anointed her and prayed over her.” A few minutes later, the police called the fire department to say that a family member had requested someone pray over her at the time of her death. “I told them I had already done that. Don’t ever be afraid to take the initiative to say a prayer for someone.”

Foster recalled one incident — a murder suicide that deeply affected dispatchers, neighbors, responders, and family members in her community. Those on the front lines can get help navigating their emotional pain with the help of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). “Teams made up of mental health professionals and trained peers are available for first responders to help individuals process psychological trauma after high-stress events,” explained Foster.

“When we talk about first responders — whether military personnel, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 9-1-1 call operators or anyone who plays a role in the care and safety of our citizens, we are talking about the people who face some of the most stressful situations imaginable,” added Fr. Zach. “At times, they have to ask themselves, ‘Will I return home today?’

“These men and women are just like each one of us. They have families, hopes, fears, and people who love them,” Fr. Zach continued. “As we respect one another, it is important to remember you are meeting a person who has chosen to serve others. Pray for them and their families. Pray that St. Michael will watch over them, protect them, and help them return home safely.”

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of that horrific day in America, we pause and reflect, and we take a moment to focus not on what divides us, but what unites us as one nation under God.

Note: On Tuesday, Sept. 8, “Catholic Conversations” podcast host Joelle Zarnowski interviews Father Canorro, who reflects on his time as a first responder. Watch or listen on Spotify Podcast, Apple Podcast, or on the diocese’s YouTube Channel, youtube.com/syrdio.