Blog: The Courage Behind the Headlines

News Release Date: September 10, 2026

By the U.S. Park Police Public Information Office

On September 11, 2001, U.S. Park Police officers ran toward the danger. This is our story - one few outside our agency know.

The day began like any other day but ended with our nation at war.

As millions of Americans watched the unprecedented, horrifying attacks unfold on television, U.S. Park Police (USPP) officers, as well as some civilian employees, in New York City and Washington, DC, were responding - many before receiving orders - to the heartbreaking disaster around them, aiding in mass evacuations, search and rescue, and enhanced security missions.

More than 100 USPP officers, some of whom were recalled from training and off-duty status, worked furiously to protect the public, shield our nation's decision-makers, and secure the symbols of our American Republic when the nation needed it most.

The Pentagon and Protecting the Nation's Capital

U.S. Park Police officers were among the very first law enforcement personnel to arrive at the burning Pentagon. They helped those trying to escape the building and administered first aid until reinforcements arrived. When reports indicated that another hijacked aircraft might be approaching Washington, USPP immediately began evacuating monuments and memorials.

Traffic was gridlocked as thousands attempted to flee the city in panic, only worsening when the fourth plane was thought to be en route to another American icon like the White House or Capitol Building. One USPP officer recalled needing to abandon his personal vehicle near the National Mall and running nearly two miles to reach his office.

USPP officers worked long hours alongside federal and local law enforcement and other first responders to medevac the injured; sift through the wreckage for survivors, bodies, and evidence; secure areas around the Pentagon, including Arlington National Cemetery, where aircraft debris had fallen; escort fire apparatus and move senior government officials to safety; evacuate buildings; secure military landing zones, and transport military and FBI personnel, while simultaneously searching for potential threats and establishing defensive positions around the White House and the city's most prominent landmarks in preparation for additional attacks. According to intelligence at the time, the threat was not limited to aircraft.

The various efforts continued through the night. Many of our officers worked 24 hours straight, then slept in shifts in offices, vehicles, and even cafeterias. For some, the response meant not returning home for several days. Twelve-plus-hour shifts continued for months.

New York City: Ground Zero

Our officers in New York assisted local and federal law enforcement with mass evacuations and first aid. They led caravans of emergency vehicles to Ground Zero and immediately increased security operations at the Statue of Liberty, which was considered a potential terrorist target. But the mission did not end there.

As the World Trade Center towers collapsed, USPP Marine Patrol officers responded by water. Hundreds of people jumped onto our boat to escape the enormous cloud of debris. Dozens more were rescued from the Hudson River. Many were brought to Ellis Island for decontamination, first aid, food, and dry clothes. The Marine Unit transported law enforcement and other first responders to and from various sites around Manhattan.

Back on dry land, what began as a rescue mission became a recovery mission - a mission that lasted nearly a year. Our officers, alongside emergency personnel from agencies across the country, began the highly dangerous work of scouring what remained of the World Trade Center for survivors, evidence, and human remains. USPP officers checked the air ventilation towers of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and the shoreline for explosives and other potential threats. They chased people who were stealing first responder uniforms and equipment as well as those looting surrounding buildings.

The attacks would ultimately change USPP security operations in New York forever, leading to a more rigorous visitor screening process to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a full-time, patrolling Marine Unit, and increased staffing.

Unwavering Duty

The story of September 11 is often told through the images everyone remembers: the burning towers, the Pentagon, and the rescue workers running toward danger. But there are countless stories - acts of heroism - not captured by those now iconic images. Indeed, some of the most extraordinary acts of courage occurred quietly.

The mission that day was simple, even if the circumstances were anything but. The experience had a lasting and profound effect on millions, especially those at the scenes and the families, friends, and colleagues of the thousands of people who never made it home or would later perish from related injuries or exposure, including numerous first responders.

The U.S. Park Police are this nation's original Watchmen, the little known but oldest uniformed federal law enforcement agency in the country. For more than two centuries, USPP has protected the symbols of our Republic, preserved our national treasures, and safeguarded the millions of people who live, visit, and work in Washington, DC, New York City, and San Francisco. On September 11, our officers did what they were called and trained to do and what they have been doing since 1791 - they reported for duty.

The U.S. Park Police's most recent recruit graduation on September 4 welcomed and congratulated 65 new officers to our ranks. The event featured a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, during which - for the first time - our more than 100 USPP responders were individually identified and honored.

In remarks to the new officers, USPP Chief of Police Brecht said, "You are entering a profession that asks a great deal of you and your families. There will be moments of challenge, moments that test your resolve, and moments that require quick decisions in complex situations. But there will be so many moments of profound purpose. Remember this: when danger rises, we do not retreat - we advance. As we commemorate the past 25 years, we acknowledge the immense loss felt across our nation and the impact the attacks had on everyone. I know that many cannot undo what was experienced that day, but today and every day, we honor the strength that emerged from it."