NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Throughout the summer, WCBS Newsradio 880 is presenting a series of reports looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our series, "Rising from the Ashes," tells stories that inspire and teach; stories that honor the sacrifices of that day and how that work continues to impact the lives of others 20 years later.
On Sept. 11, 2001, not all of the heroes wore a uniform. This week, WCBS 880's Sean Adams shares the story of Rick Rescorla — a hero from that day from the civilian ranks.
Following the 1993 bombing, Rescorla, the director of security for Morgan Stanley, conducted regular emergency evacuation drills at the World Trade Center for close to 2,700 employees.
"When Rick ran a safety class, it was not fun and games. Rick was there to deliver a message, deliver it to you clearly, and make sure that you understood it," said Morgan Stanley employee, Bill Van Scoyoc, who credits Rescorla with saving his life. "Preserve yourself, preserve others as best as you can, don't panic."
Rescorla was born in England. He came to America where he joined the Army and was decorated for valor in Vietnam. His photo is on the cover of the book "We Were Soldiers Once and Young."
After the first plane hit the North Tower, the PA announcer in the South Tower said "stay put."
"It said Building 1 was hit by an aircraft, Building 2 at that point was secure so to seek shelter at your desk," Van Scoyoc said.
With Rescorla's voice in his head, Van Scoyoc ignored the announcement and guided more than 200 of his employees on the 61st floor to the stairs.
Then the second plane hit.
"The building felt like it had absorbed the impact, but it was almost tilting like a pendulum back and forth, and you felt like you were literally going to fall out from one side to the other," Van Scoyoc said.
Around the eighth floor, he saw Rescorla guiding people, reassuring them and singing to soothe their nerves.
"I believe he had a megaphone in his hand and I know he was singing and just trying to keep people calm. You could see he was going in the opposite direction that we were going. We were coming out of the building and you could clearly see where he was going upstairs," Van Scoyoc said. "It doesn't surprise me in the least bit that he was running up when others were running down."
Rescorla's remains were never recovered.
"It definitely impacted us and saved so many lives that day," Van Scoyoc said.