#012 - Andy Isolano

NYFD Firefighter | Survivor & Hero of 9/11 Terrorist Attack

Early in his life, Andy Isolano competed against the best of the best during his fire academy training. He worked hard enough to earn a position in one of the Manhattan fire departments. For the next few years, Andy loved his work and experienced many incredible tribulations. However, on September 11, 2001, Andy and many other first responders responded to the most unimaginable call. Andy and his department responded to the call of the attack on the twin towers and arrived on the scene just as the first tower collapsed. During that horrific tragedy, Andy lost 13 of his closest friends and witnessed many deaths right before his eyes. After that day, Andy spent months looking for his everyone and anyone he could find in the rubble, working tirelessly day in and day out. After a few months, Andy had sustained too must damage to his lungs that the fire department ended up medically retiring him in November of 2001.

Following the continual tragedies following the gruesome attack on our country, Andy suffered from the burden of grief and trauma that he endured for far too long. On this episode, Andy walks us through his struggles of grief and trauma but ultimately uses his experiences to provide hope and purpose for people who may be going through a similar journey. Presently, Andy speaks often of that day to ensure that no one ever forgets the horrific events that claimed the lives of many and that the lives that were lost are continually honored for the rest of time.