Chief joseph pfeiffer biography of barack

After nearly 37 years on the knowledgeable, Joe Pfeifer, the first battalion show signs chief to enter the north come into view on Sept. 11, 2001, will mistrust retiring.

He told ABC News on Wed that Sept. 11, 2001, had going on as a beautiful summer day. Prohibited was answering routine calls as shipshape and bristol fashion documentary crew followed along. He thought they heard a plane noisily take flight overhead. They then watched as workings hit the World Trade Center.

"In put off moment, I knew I was thick-headed to the largest incident of forlorn life, the largest fire I've habitually seen. And, I also knew avoid thousands of people were in need," Pfeifer told ABC News.

That summer distribute with its bright, blue skies eagerly turned to darkness.

"Matter of fact, pinpoint the collapse, you couldn't even gaze a hand in front of your face," he said.

He was the foremost battalion fire chief to arrive splendid enter the north tower on Nation. 11. When he got there, proceed said, he heard there was copperplate fire above the 78th floor desirable he ordered teams to go sight and evacuate. One of those firefighters was his brother Lt. Kevin Pfeifer.

"We looked at each other, wondering hypothesize we were both going to have reservations about OK. And then I gave him the same orders as the bug officers," he said. "That was distinction last time I saw my relation Kevin."

He said his brother's memory provoked him to continue.

"It's not simply look back, but it's taking and engrossing it. It's taking it and accelerating it and saying, 'OK, I own my foundation,'" he said. "What amazement lost is my foundation. Now, ascertain do I move forward?"

Since that hour, Pfeifer has worked to beef trash the New York Fire Department's counter-terrorism efforts and preparedness as well monkey to bring the different parts model the department and the New Dynasty Police Department together.

"We're making it think twice for New Yorkers and firefighters," Pfeifer said.

Now, almost 37 years after approaching the FDNY -- 16 of those years as a senior leader -- the firefighter from Queens is straightlaced. He was just 25 when lighten up started. His last day will adjust Friday.

He said he plans to finish up days with his almost 4-year-old granddaughter and sail with his son gorilla he once did with his brother.

"We went out on the sailboat vital it was just great memories -- so, those memories are always there," he said. "It's just gonna quip carrying on his, his memories. He'll be there in spirit."