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

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

Author: Citizens Behind the Badge September 11, 2025 Duration: 33:09
Heroes Behind the Badge
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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.

Chief Morris recounts how he organized hundreds of officers in the midst of chaos, the heartbreaking loss of colleagues like Captain Kathy Mazza and Lt. Jimmy Romito, and the proudest and most tragic moments of his career. He also reflects on rebuilding the Port Authority Police Department after the loss of 37 officers and how 9/11 forever shaped his life and leadership.

If you haven’t already, listen to Part 1 for Chief Morris’s firsthand account of surviving the South Tower collapse.

This episode is a testament to courage, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.


Heroes Behind the Badge is a podcast that brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community, from the front lines to the final call. Guided by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, and joined by veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, the show cuts through misconceptions and focuses on the real people behind the badge. In each episode, listeners can expect candid conversations, hard-earned insights, and powerful moments that highlight service, sacrifice, and the realities of the job. If you want to listen episodes that go beyond headlines and hear stories shaped by experience and respect, Heroes Behind the Badge by {author} offers a clear, grounded perspective on the law enforcement community.
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