When the World Trade Center was struck on September 11, 2001, New York City firefighter Sal Argano was on loan to a Brooklyn station. He rushed back to his home firehouse on Manhattan’s West Side, only to find the building badly damaged but still standing. Six of its members were among the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished when the towers collapsed.
Why Argano’s Presence Matters
Almost a quarter‑century later, Argano – now 65 – is the sole survivor of the original 2001 crew still on duty at the station, known locally as “Ten House.” The firehouse has become a de facto part of the 9/11 memorial, drawing daily crowds of tourists who come to see the bronze relief listing the fallen firefighters and the gleaming Engine 10 and Ladder 10 trucks that give the station its nickname.
Living History for New Generations
Argano spends much of his shift near the open bay doors, answering questions, shaking hands and posing for photos. He stresses to younger firefighters – many of whom were not even born when the attacks occurred – the importance of treating every visitor with respect. “We have our fire duty, we have our responses, and then we have a responsibility toward the people outside,” he says.
He admits the constant stream of tourists can be relentless, with some questions feeling overly personal. Still, he believes the station’s role as a living testimony outweighs the inconvenience. “If I need to explain all of that, then it’s like, ‘Pull up a seat.’ Let me get another cigarette. It’s gonna be a long one,” he jokes.
Ten House’s Role on 9/11 and Beyond
Captain Terence Brody, who commands Ladder 10, recalls the chaos of that Tuesday. Cadets were rushed to Ground Zero, and the air was thick with debris that “looked like it was snowing.” In the days after the attacks, Ten House served as both a command center and a safe haven for weary first responders.
As the city rebuilt, the firehouse watched the landscape transform. Today, a pair of waterfall pools sit where the towers once stood, ringed by parapets etched with the names of nearly 3,000 victims. Below ground, the 9/11 Museum houses mangled steel beams, a destroyed fire truck and other artifacts, while new skyscrapers ring the memorial.
Personal Reflections from the Crew
Long‑time firefighter Robert Favata, who joined Ladder 10 in 2008, remembers arriving when “there was nothing.” He now watches the area’s rebirth and worries about preserving the station’s memory for future generations. “I just hope I can give a percentage of what they’ve told me to the younger guys,” he says, his voice cracking with emotion.
Brody, now 55, is preparing to retire in October after a career that began across the street from Ten House. He reflects on the full circle of his service, noting that his first day in the field was right there, and his last will be too.
Looking Ahead
While Brody files his retirement papers and Favata contemplates his own exit, Argano says he has no plans to hang up his helmet. “I’m not done. I’m gonna be here as long as I can,” he declares. “I’m going to keep telling them what I know, what I saw, what I’ve been through.”
The firehouse remains a beacon of resilience, reminding both locals and visitors that the sacrifices of 9/11 live on in the daily dedication of its firefighters.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
