Changed by 9/11: Greg Fried

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was an active general surgeon in New York City and executive chief surgeon in the NYPD. I was a first responder, attending to a firefighter seriously injured and was buried when Tower 2 fell. I dug myself out and was boated to New Jersey, where I was resuscitated and transfused.

Recovering after receiving numerous severe injuries, it was clear that I could not resume performing surgery, and my ability to continue with the police department was compromised, so I retired. My career ended and my life changed.  I received the NYPD Medal for Valor for my participation on 9/11.

Surrounded by death and injury on 9/11, losing numerous close friends and almost my own life, I have learned to dissociate from the tragedy and appreciate the gifts each day brings.

Although the anger I feel towards the perpetrators of this terrible crime never can abate, I supplant it with pride in my association with the NYPD, gratitude towards those who put their lives on the line to defend this country, and a sense that the decent people will prevail over those whose only purpose in life is to destroy. 

I find myself a bit more serene and less driven, knowing that those mundane irritations of life should no longer bother me. I know what it’s like to face death, and I am glad to be alive. 

Retired now and living in Long Beach, life with my wife, family and friends is good.