9/11 Firefighter Joe Torrillo to Throw Ceremonial First Pitch Before Bisons' Game against Pawtucket
June 14, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release
Retired New York City firefighter Lieutenant JOE TORRILLO will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before TONIGHT'S Bisons game against Pawtucket (7:05 p.m.). Torrillo is the only known survivor of both World Trade Center collapses that occurred on September 11, 2001.
Along with Torrillo's first pitch, the Star Spangled Banner Flag tour comes to Coca-Cola Field as the 70ft- American flag will be displayed in centerfield for this evening's national anthem.
The ceremonies are part of the Bisons First Reponder's Night, to benefit the 100 Club of Buffalo, presented by FM Communications & Kenwood Inc.
Torrillo was buried under the debris when the first World Trade Center tower collapsed. After being dug out by rescue personnel, he was placed on a boat on the Hudson River. A portion of the second tower flew across the street and landed on the boat. Torrillo was buried under debris for a second time. It was not until 40 minutes later that rescuers again found him. He was then rushed to a New Jersey hospital.
Later that night, Lt. Torrillo was placed on the official missing list and was assumed to have been missing in action. Fortunately, he was later identified by hospital personnel and his family was then notified. On February 21, 2004, Joe Torrillo was officially retired from the NYC Fire Department due to his injuries.
Lt. Joe Torrillo now spends his days as an expert in fire safety and also plans to utilize his speaking skills to relay his story of perseverance to the youth of America.
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