Episode 8: “9/11, 25 Years Later: The Day That Changed Us”
Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Heather, Mary, and Clare reflect on the day that changed America—and shaped the rest of their federal law enforcement careers.
They share where they were when the attacks began, the assignments they received in the aftermath, and the moments they still carry with them. Clare recalls reporting to her ATF office with a bag packed for two weeks. Mary describes watching the second plane strike from a San Francisco hotel room before supporting the INS command center near the Pentagon. Heather remembers returning to Manhattan on September 12 and later spending a month helping the FBI pursue 9/11-related leads.
The conversation also explores how September 11 transformed federal law enforcement: the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the evolution of INS and Customs into ICE and HSI, increased cooperation among agencies, expanded aviation security, and the specialized role of the former INS—now HSI—Forensic Laboratory in examining the hijackers’ travel and identity documents.
This is not a complete history of September 11. These are three federal agents’ personal memories—and one small part of a much larger story.
Twenty-five years later, what should “Never Forget” mean? Remembering not only the lives lost and the people who served, but also the unity, gratitude, patriotism, and shared purpose that followed.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Where Heather, Mary, and Clare were on September 11
• Their assignments in the immediate aftermath
• Running down 9/11 investigative leads
• How federal agencies and authorities changed
• The INS/HSI Forensic Laboratory’s role
• The images and moments they cannot forget
• What “Never Forget” means 25 years later
RESOURCE:
DHS Homeland Security Investigations Forensic Laboratory:
https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/centers-and-labs/forensic-lab
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:
World Trade Center photos by John Celardo / National Archives
Pentagon immediately after the attack. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass
Pentagon—smoke on September 11. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Telfair Brown
MUSIC ATTRIBUTION:
Music licensed through Soundstripe. Codes: EJXPLRNEP9ARFWS5, N3BJMJ4Y1BD1MRXJ
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This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own and do not represent any agency or the federal government. Nothing we share should be considered financial, career, or retirement advice.
