Jim Jordan is one of many Los Angeles County firefighters who were dispatched to Ground Zero shortly after the 9/11 attacks.
The retired fire captain, who now works part time as Calabasas' public safety manager, spent three weeks in New York City in September 2001.
He mostly worked from the Javits convention center doing communication and logistical work with search-and-rescue teams.
But when he was available, he helped with the cleanup effort at Ground Zero. One of the moments Jordan said he would never forget was passing by blackboards covered with fliers that named missing people and knowing that they were all dead.
"It was the saddest thing I had done in my history with the fire department," Jordan said.
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are etched into the American psyche forever. As we approach the 10-year anniversary of that infamous day, Patch is looking to share your stories about how the terrorist attacks and their aftermath have affected you personally.
Were you in New York (like our friend ) or in Washington, DC, on that day? Did you or someone you love join the military because of the attacks? Have you ever felt as if you were being profiled amid heightened security procedures? Has heightened security across the country affected you in another major way? Did you change political parties? Donate to a cause? March in a rally?
If your life was in some way changed by the events of 9/11, we're asking for photos or personal accounts to share with our readers. Please add a photo to the gallery (simply sign in and click on Manage Your Photos under the photo gallery) and include your story or send it to arin@patch.com.
What's your story?
Where were you on 9/11? How do you plan to explain it to your children if they are too young to remember it?
If you want to join a national remembrance effort, check out ActionAmerica.com to tell the country how you're taking positive action in Calabasas. To access Action America, click here.
Also take a look at the inspiring, heartbreaking and beautiful array of photos in the 9/11 gallery put together by Huffington Post (including a Calabasas Patch photo) by clicking here.
