This weekend, the nation observed the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a solemn occasion prompting reflection on the heroes lost that day and those who aided in the aftermath.
Steve Buscemi, recognized as an esteemed actor but also a firefighter at Ground Zero, shared his reflections on the profound impact those days had on him and his fellow responders after two decades.
Buscemi’s Hollywood presence spans across diverse genres, making him a familiar and cherished face. Known for iconic supporting roles in movies like Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, and The Big Lebowski, as well as his Golden Globe-winning lead in Boardwalk Empire, he’s been a beloved favorite among fans for decades.
During the early 1980s, Buscemi balanced firefighting at Engine 55 in Lower Manhattan with his acting pursuits. He cherished the camaraderie among fellow firefighters but left the job as his acting career flourished.
Over a decade later, after 9/11, Buscemi came back, supporting his former colleagues at Engine 55 at Ground Zero the day after the tragic event.
Despite being a renowned actor, Buscemi maintained a low profile at Ground Zero, taking on the role of a firefighter during that period. He wasn’t seen as a celebrity but rather as part of the team, aiding in the search for bodies amidst the rubble.
In his Time piece, he expressed a deep bond with his fellow firefighters. However, the dust and debris transformed the scene into something surreal and unfamiliar. The responders acknowledged the perilous conditions they were facing.
“I bet this will probably kill us in 20 years,” Buscemi remembered someone saying.
Steve Buscemi, wearing a mask, heads to Ground Zero to assist in the search for survivors.
Sadly, that prediction turned out to be hauntingly accurate: over the last twenty years, numerous first responders have faced health problems linked to their service at the World Trade Center, some even with fatal respiratory diseases.
Reflecting on this, Buscemi remarked in an interview with Marc Maron via CBS News, “I’m not sure if it would’ve changed things for the first responders and volunteers who bravely tackled this immense task. But being aware of the risks beforehand would’ve been crucial. You could sense it wasn’t a safe environment.”
Buscemi expressed disappointment as firefighters had to push Congress for more funding for the Victim Compensation Fund. This cause gained support from Jon Stewart and activist John Feal.
“‘Never forget,’ everyone said. Some don’t have that luxury. What’s startling is who needs reminding,” Buscemi penned in Time.
“Never forget, because people are still fighting. Lives are still being lost.”
Although the actor hasn’t experienced any physical repercussions from his time at Ground Zero, the emotional impact has been substantial: he recently disclosed suffering from PTSD.
“Even though I was there for just five days, readjusting to normal life afterward was incredibly tough,” Buscemi shared with Marc Maron. “I struggled with depression, anxiety, and even basic decision-making.”
Despite finding solace in working alongside fellow firefighters, valuing their unity and camaraderie, the mental toll surfaced later for Buscemi.
“Only when I returned home did the weight of it sink in,” he shared in Time. “I was already seeing a therapist, and although grasping the enormity of it felt nearly impossible, having someone to share those emotions with was a comfort.”
Learning about Steve Buscemi’s PTSD following his volunteer efforts at Ground Zero is truly saddening.
Yet, he remains a genuine hero, not only for his courage post-9/11 but also for persistently advocating for responders’ welfare.
