New York City – September 11, 2001: On what began as an ordinary morning, Port Authority Police Officer William “Will” Jimeno, just months into his career, started his shift in Midtown Manhattan. The young rookie had no idea that within hours, he would be buried beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center, fighting for his life amid chaos, destruction, and unimaginable courage.
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A Rookie’s Call to Duty
Less than a year before the attacks, William Jimeno graduated from the Port Authority Police Academy, where the ceremony was held at the Marriott Hotel at the World Trade Center. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Jimeno was starting what seemed like a normal day when he saw the horrifying live footage of the Twin Towers engulfed in flames.
Realizing the magnitude of the attack, Jimeno called his pregnant wife, Allison, to reassure her that he was safe before joining his unit to respond. Alongside Sergeant John McLoughlin, a seasoned officer, and Officer Dominic Pezzullo, Jimeno boarded a bus heading to Lower Manhattan, driven by duty and instinct to help.
When they arrived at the World Trade Center complex, the air was already thick with smoke, dust, and fear. Yet the officers pressed forward, determined to assist in evacuating civilians from the towers.
The Collapse and the Fight for Survival
Jimeno, McLoughlin, and Pezzullo entered the shopping concourse beneath the towers, gathering rescue equipment to help trapped civilians. At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed, unleashing a wave of destruction.
In seconds, the men were buried alive under tons of debris, trapped nearly 30 feet below ground. In the suffocating darkness, the three officers struggled to breathe and communicate. Pezzullo managed to partially free himself and tried to rescue Jimeno, but when the North Tower fell at 10:28 a.m., another cascade of debris struck, killing Pezzullo instantly.
For hours, Jimeno and Sgt. McLoughlin remained trapped, critically injured, clinging to hope and faith as the world above them fell silent.
The Miraculous Rescue
As night fell, teams of firefighters, police officers, and military rescuers combed the smoldering ruins for survivors. Among them were two former U.S. Marines, Jason Thomas and Dave Karnes, who heard faint cries from beneath the rubble. They alerted NYPD Detective Scott Strauss, who led a rescue operation through the unstable debris.
After being trapped for more than 13 hours, William Jimeno was found alive, followed soon after by Sgt. McLoughlin. They were among only 20 people rescued alive from the wreckage of the World Trade Center that day — a miracle amid devastation.
Jimeno was rushed to the hospital with multiple fractures and crush injuries. His recovery was long and grueling, involving 13 surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and years of emotional healing. Yet, through it all, he never lost his gratitude for life or his belief in hope.
Life After 9/11: Healing and Legacy
In the years following the attacks, William Jimeno became a symbol of resilience and hope. He shared his story widely, advocating for first responders, mental health awareness, and unity among Americans.
His and Sgt. McLoughlin’s survival story was immortalized in Oliver Stone’s 2006 film World Trade Center, starring Michael Peña as Jimeno. The film brought global attention to the courage and humanity displayed by those who risked everything on 9/11.
Jimeno later authored the book “Sunrise Through the Darkness,” chronicling his journey of physical and spiritual recovery. Today, he continues to inspire others through public speaking and support for survivor networks.
Remembering the Price of Courage
The story of William Jimeno stands as a timeless reminder of bravery, sacrifice, and endurance. He represents not only the survivors of 9/11 but also the countless first responders who ran toward danger when others fled.
Every year, Jimeno honors the memory of his fallen colleagues, including Officer Dominic Pezzullo, and the thousands who never made it home.
As he once said in an interview,
“We saw the worst of humanity that day, but we also saw the best. That’s what I stand by.”
A Legacy of Hope and Humanity
William Jimeno’s survival is more than a story of endurance — it’s a lesson in courage and faith. His journey reminds us that even in the darkest places, hope can still find a way to breathe.
He remains a living testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who stood tall on one of America’s darkest days.