Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

9/11 Survivor Bill Spade Recounts Escape at Memorial Museum

9/6/2026

9 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

FDNY firefighter Bill Spade survived the 9/11 attacks after the South Tower collapse threw him 40 feet.
Spade entered the North Tower stairwell and evacuated people until the South Tower collapsed.
He was the only Rescue Company 5 survivor and later required lung, knee, and shoulder surgeries.
Spade now addresses visitors at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and appears in National Geographic’s “9/11 Reunited” documentary.

1 of 1

Story summary

FDNY firefighter Bill Spade survived the 9/11 attacks after the South Tower collapse threw him 40 feet.
Spade entered the North Tower stairwell and evacuated people until the South Tower collapsed.
He was the only Rescue Company 5 survivor and later required lung, knee, and shoulder surgeries.
Spade now addresses visitors at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and appears in National Geographic’s “9/11 Reunited” documentary.