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Actor Steve Buscemi's 9/11 Firefighter Return
7 Oct
Summary
- Buscemi returned to firefighting after 9/11 at his former firehouse.
- He worked 12-hour shifts to assist rescue efforts at Ground Zero.
- Buscemi later raised awareness for first responders' health struggles.
Steve Buscemi, renowned for his roles in 'Fargo' and 'The Big Lebowski,' previously served as a New York City firefighter for four years before his acting career began. This past experience enabled him to return to his former Engine Company 55 firehouse in Little Italy following the 9/11 attacks.
During the tragic events of 9/11, Buscemi volunteered his time, working 12-hour shifts at Ground Zero. He joined rescue teams in the 'bucket brigade,' searching through heavy debris for survivors and missing firefighters. His company tragically lost five firefighters in the attacks.
Years later, Buscemi began advocating for first responders' well-being. In 2013, he contributed to the documentary 'A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY,' exploring firefighters' culture and mental health. He also authored an essay in 2014 highlighting the health crises among 9/11 responders due to airborne toxins.
Speaking on a podcast in 2021, Buscemi recounted the devastation of Ground Zero and the profound personal impact of his time there. He described experiencing depression and anxiety in the aftermath, emphasizing the long-term psychological toll on himself and others who served.
