NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A new documentary from the NYPD released Friday commemorates the contributions made by the women of the department on Sept. 11, 2001, and the two decades since.
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The 12-minute film, “NYPD’s Women at Ground Zero,” highlights the stories of female officers and civilians who “selflessly served during and after the large-scale terrorist attack in Lower Manhattan,” according to the department.
The documentary also recounts the ultimate sacrifice of Moira Smith, who was the only New York City policewoman to die during the attacks.
Viewers will hear personal accounts from 10 current and retired women employees of the NYPD, including Chief of Interagency Operations Theresa Tobin, Chief of Transportation Kim Y. Royster and Assistant Chief Martine Materasso, the Counterterrorism Bureau commander.
“We have to remember that 9/11 was the worst terrorist attack on American soil but, also keep in mind that it was the greatest rescue effort ever,” Tobin – a Medal of Valor recipient – said in the film.
In the documentary, the the women are asked to reflect on what it was like to be a police officer during the attacks and the days after, and how it has shaped their lives and their careers.
“Our training is to run toward whatever is a safety issue for others,” Royster says in the film. “And once you get there, make sure you mitigate the circumstances. That’s the NYPD. And that’s what we do.”
In addition to person experience, the film looks to showcase the long-lasting effects of the terror attacks, including the 270 women NYPD members currently suffering from 9/11-realted illnesses and the 35 who have died in the past 20 years.
The NYPD notes “the film reflects the collective hope their enduring valor inspires and the way their humanity is alive in the hearts of NYPD members at work today.”
The documentary, which is available on the NYPD’s YouTube, is dedicated to all of those who responded to the terrorist attack and its aftermath.
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