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Anniversary Digital Learning Experience: Individual Stories
This page is home to the individual stories of speakers featured in this year's DLE program. Each video works on its own, making them well-suited for focused discussion, shorter class periods, or pairing with a specific lesson. Additionally, all are available in English, Spanish, ASL, and with audio descriptions. Start with an introduction from educator Vaughan Danvers before screening other speaker stories.
Jump to a speaker:
Richard Eichen
Richard Eichen was at work on the 90th floor of the North Tower on 9/11 when it was struck, and despite a severe head injury, helped colleague Lucy Gonzalez evacuate just minutes before the collapse of the building. He was reunited with Gonzalez on the 10-year anniversary of the attacks at the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial in 2011.
Terri Tobin
Terri Tobin joined the NYPD in 1983 and responded to 9/11 as a lieutenant, surviving the collapse of the South Tower. Despite severe injuries, she continued rescue efforts, earning her the NYPD Medal of Honor. She rose to Assistant Chief in 2019 — one of only three women to hold the rank at the time — and retired as Chief of Interagency Operations in December 2024.
James and Patrick Dowdell
James' and Patrick's father, FDNY Lieutenant Kevin Dowdell, responded on 9/11 and is believed to have been inside the South Tower when it collapsed. His sons honored his legacy through service, with Patrick graduating from West Point and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and James joining the FDNY and later attaining his father’s rank of lieutenant.
Caitlyn McIntyre and Olivia Perez-Johntry
Caitlyn McIntyre and Olivia Perez-Johntry both lost their fathers on 9/11 — PAPD Officer Donald McIntyre and Anthony Perez, who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald. After the attacks, they attended America’s Camp, a summer camp for young relatives of 9/11 victims, and later pursued lives of service: Olivia as a science teacher and 9/11 advocate, and Caitlyn as a nurse inspired by her father during the COVID-19 pandemic.