Bill Spade

  • First Responder, Survivor, Family Member
  • ASL

Retired FDNY firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Bill Spade

2021 Webinar Bill Spade ASL

This story was filmed as part of our Anniversary in the Schools program, which introduces students to first-person accounts of the 9/11 attacks. Participate in this year’s free program by completing this registration form.

Teaching Guides

After viewing Bill’s story, we recommend screening John Spade’s webinar story. John is Bill’s son. As you listen to Bill’s story, think about the following questions:

  • Bill was one of thousands of first responders who came to the World Trade Center to help on 9/11. What is the job of a first responder?
  • John D’Allara was an NYPD police officer who Bill met on the morning of 9/11. How did Bill and John work together to help people that day?
  • On 9/11, 343 firefighters from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) were killed responding to the World Trade Center, including 11 members of Bill’s company. What could you do in your school or with your family to honor first responders and show thanks for their brave actions?

  • How did Bill hear about the attacks at the World Trade Center? Describe the steps he took in his response.
  • How did Bill’s actions on 9/11 demonstrate heroism, teamwork, and perseverance?
  • Bill ends his story by saying, “I think it’s just so important to keep [9/11] alive and to never forget.” Why do you think it is important to remember 9/11? How can you honor the victims of the attacks?

  • What moments in Bill’s story demonstrated heroism, teamwork, and perseverance?
  • How does Bill’s story highlight the unique challenges faced by first responders on 9/11?
  • Bill ends his story by saying, “I think it’s just so important to keep [9/11] alive and to never forget.” Why do you think it is important to remember the 9/11 attacks 20 years later? What role does commemoration play in ensuring we “never forget?”

Additional Resources

Read a blog post to learn more about Bill’s experience on 9/11. To learn more about the FDNY and their response on 9/11, visit Inside the Collection. You can also learn about John D’Allara, who was killed on 9/11, by visiting the Memorial Guide. If you’re interested in hearing from more first responders, visit our Webinar Stories archive.