Chief Joe Morris 9/11 Story (Part 2) | Leading the Recovery at Ground-Zero

In this second and final part of his powerful 9/11 story, retired Port Authority Police Chief Joe Morris shares what it was like to lead the recovery effort at Ground Zero after surviving the collapse of the South Tower.

In Part 2 of this powerful two-part series, retired Port Authority Police Chief Joe Morris shares what it was like to lead the recovery effort at Ground Zero after surviving the collapse of the South Tower on September 11, 2001. Chief Morris opens up about the chaos of that day, the weight of command, and the moments of pride and tragedy that defined his career. From organizing hundreds of officers in the face of destruction, to remembering fallen colleagues like Captain Kathy Mazza and Lt. Jimmy Romito, his story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Chief Morris established order amid chaos at Ground Zero

• The toughest decisions he had to make as the senior surviving officer

• The proudest and most tragic moments of his career

• Stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience within the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)

• How the department rebuilt itself after the loss of 37 officers on 9/11

This is more than history—it’s a story of leadership, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Don’t miss Part 1 for Chief Morris’s firsthand account of surviving the collapse of the South Tower. Subscribe to the Heroes Behind the Badge Podcast for more stories of courage and service.

KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Taking command in chaos
05:51 – Establishing a multi-agency command post
07:32 – Sending officers home for rest
08:44 – Returning home that first night
11:15 – The emotional impact of leadership after 9/11
12:38 – Proudest and most tragic moments
16:55 – Remembering Captain Kathy Mazza and fallen PAPD heroes
18:30 – When rescue turned to recovery
19:47 – Surviving decisions at Ground Zero
21:16 – How 9/11 changed Chief Morris personally
24:14 – Mandatory counseling and officer wellness
26:05 – Rebuilding the PAPD after the loss of 37 officers
28:29 – Reflections on leadership and resilience
29:49 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

If this story impacts you, please like, share, and subscribe to honor the memory of those we lost and the heroes who responded.

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