Each of the 17 fire helmets in the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s care tell a unique story about the person who it belonged to and the experiences he had on Sept. 11, 2001. The fire helmets in the collection range from those worn by the probationary to the level of the chief.
Among them is a white, leather chief’s helmet donated by Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer. After witnessing hijacked flight 11 crash into the North Tower, Pfeifer responded with members of Engine 7 and Ladder 1. He established a command center in the North Tower and remained there until he had to run to safety as the tower collapsed. Pfeifer was able to escape that day. His brother, Lt. Kevin Pfeifer, who also responded with his company, Engine 33, did not.
Listen to Amy Weinstein, Director of Collections and Senior Oral Historian, discuss the story behind Chief Pfeifer's helmet. Weinstein also touches on why a donation of a fire helmet is among the most honored gifts at the Museum, and how this particular helmet tells stories of the fate of the Pfeifer brothers. (Audio)
By Jenny Pachucki, Content Strategist