Charles Diaz

Charles Diaz is a retired NYC sanitation police captain who rushed to Lower Manhattan from his post on Staten Island after the first plane hit the North Tower. At Ground Zero, Charles led numerous civilians to safety without realizing he had sustained a broken arm and multiple leg injuries. He has been diagnosed with 9/11-related medical issues—including bone marrow leukemia and sarcoidosis.

He considers the people who lost their lives that day—and those who continue to pass from 9/11-related diseases—the real heroes.