On September 11, 2001, Actor Steve Buscemi Returned to His Old Job as a NYC Firefighter to Hunt for Survivors

On September 11, 2001, Steve Buscemi – the US actor known for his depictions of gangsters and weirdos in shows such as The Sopranos and The Big Lebowski – returned to his old job as a New York City firefighter. He worked 12-hour shifts for several days alongside other firefighters, searching for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center.

Steve Buscemi, pictured on the far left, joined the New York firefighters after 9/11.

Buscemi had taken the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) civil service test when he was 18 and used to work as a FDNY firefighter in downtown Manhattan in the 1980s.

He later left the service to become an actor but has remained in touch with New York firefighter causes. He is often seen speaking at union rallie. In 2014, he produced and hosted a documentary called “A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY,” which provides an in-depth look at the life and challenges of New York City firefighters.

The actor on duty in the early 1980s.

At the time, he said of his efforts during the rescue: “It was a privilege to be able to do it. It was great to connect with the firehouse I used to work with and with some of the guys I worked alongside. And it was enormously helpful for me because while I was working, I didn’t really think about it as much, feel it as much.”

Very few photos exist of Buscemi working tirelessly at the World Trade Center as he wasn’t there for publicity. When people tried to snap photos or interview him, he outright refused. There is little photographic evidence, though the picture below purports to be him.

Buscemi has used his platform to draw attention to the health struggles many first responders have faced following 9/11, including respiratory problems and cancers.

He is a board member of Friends of Firefighters, an organization dedicated to supporting active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.

The FDNY honored Buscemi with a special commendation for his service during the aftermath of 9/11, recognizing his contributions and volunteer work.

Of the nearly 3,000 victims killed in the 9/11 attacks, 343 were firefighters. Tragically, there were 75 firehouses in which at least one member was killed, and the FDNY also lost its department chief, and first deputy commissioner.