Sal Cassano, FDNY Commissioner, 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Sal Cassano was born in New York City. He served in the U.S. Army and did a tour in Vietnam from 1966-1967, But even while he was serving overseas, plans were already in motion for him to become a New York City firefighter when he came home. In late 1969, Cassano joined the FDNY. By September 11, 2001, he was an assistant chief of operations overseeing Manhattan. He would finish his career as FDNY commissioner.

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Cassano tells us about his service in Vietnam and becoming a firefighter. He also reveals how he first heard...