Oral history interviews / first hand accounts have been shared by the following people to date. Click the narrator's name to hear, or read, their full story. Transcripts will be created as funding permits.
Most oral history interviews were conducted remotely for the safety of all during the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank our narrators for helping to increase our understanding of that fateful day and its aftermath.
For more information or to share your own memories of Monmouth County, 9/11, and Its Aftermath, email mziobro@monmouth.edu.
This page will be updated frequently throughout the Fall of 2021, so we encourage you to visit us again.
In September 2001, Jenna was a freshman at Monmouth University, living away from home for the first time.
Linda was the President of the Monmouth County Historical Association Board of Trustees responsible for commissioning the Monmouth County, 9/11, and Its Aftermath 20th anniversary project.
In September 2001, Lillian was the Mayor of Colts Neck. She lost her cousin, Steven Paterson, at Ground Zero.
In September 2001, John was a law enforcement ranger employed by the National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
Tom worked at Ground Zero as both an officer of the NYPD and a NY National Guardsman. He later deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In September 2001, Joe was a Middletown resident, working as a child psychologist in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District. He discusses the tragically unique way Middletown was impacted, and the many friends and acquaintances he lost at Ground Zero.
In September 2001, John was a lieutenant with the NYPD and a Coast Guard reservist. He responded to Ground Zero on 9/11/2001, and worked onsite for weeks after. He was activated by the Coast Guard the next year.
Janet co-founded the Middletown group FAVOR, which provided support to the 9/11 victims’ families.
In September 2001, Avi was the Acting NYC Commissioner of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
Allyson co-founded the Middletown group FAVOR, which provided support to the 9/11 victims’ families.
Franco is the sculptor behind Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial at Mount Mitchill.
In September 2001, Suzanne was a junior at Red Bank Catholic High School.
In September 2001, then LTC John Edward Occhipinti was the Deputy Commandant of the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth.
On September 11, 2001, Steven was the supervisor of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Forensic and Technical Bureau, also known as the Crime Scene Unit. On September 11th in the early evening the unit was activated to assist the FBI Evidence Response Team in Newark.
In September 2001, Tom was the Provost at Monmouth University.
In September 2001, Lee Ann Potter worked as an intelligence analyst at Fort Monmouth.
In September 2001, Anthony worked for The Depository Trust Company at 55 Water Street in Manhattan.
In September 2001, Mary worked as a museum curator for the National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
Tracy co-founded the Middletown group FAVOR, which provided support to the 9/11 victims’ families.
On September 11, 2001, Susan volunteered as a transportation worker for the Red Cross/Catholic Charities, helping individuals who fled Manhattan by water get home safely.
On September 11, 2001, COL (Retired) Mike Ruane was running a terrorism preparedness drill at Fort Monmouth. The drill abruptly ended, and Mike immediately transitioned to leading an emergency operations center at the Fort as the base responded to the attacks.
In September 2001, Louise was Director of Client Services for Oppenheimer and Co., an investment banking firm located at One World Financial Center.
Dr. Ken Womack, the author of the books World Trade Center Through Time and The Restaurant at the End of the World, comments on the cultural and historical significance of the World Trade Center.
