John McLoughlin

"Sergeant John McLoughlin, a Port Authority officer who worked the Emergency Service unit (ESU) and knew the layout of the World Trade Center as well as anyone, provided the answer. McLoughlin told the officers he needed three volunteers who knew how to use Scott air packs. Jimeno, Pezzulo and Antonio Rodrigues all answered." (Dale Stockton). So why am I talking about John McLoughlin? John Mcloughlin was a police officer who responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. "Sergeant McLoughlin, whom colleagues described as a skilled rescue worker, was helping to secure the World Trade Center when the two towers came crashing to the ground. He crumpled, too, into a tiny crawl space beneath the rubble, where he was pinned down for nearly 24 hours." Him and 2 other officers, (Jimeno and Pezzulo), were trapped, but alive. To be a hero I believe that you need to have determination and selflessness. These two traits in a situation where you need to be a hero could be the things that save your life. In this case, it save John McLoughlin's. Law Enforcement is a very serious job. John McLoughlin is a prime example of a officer who has his country at heart. He shows determination and selflessness in his job daily, and that is what all officers of the law should do.

John McLoughlin shows determination in his job by risking his life for others. Here is an example of the tragedy that he experienced. "Concrete started coming down on them. 'It was like being body-slammed,' Jimeno said. 'I just held onto my helmet and tried to go for my radio. Everything just kept coming down on us and before I knew it we were just covered.'" This shows that even though things looked bad, they continued to fight for their lives. Here is another example of his determination. Sergeant John McLoughlin, a Port Authority officer who worked the Emergency Service unit (ESU) and knew the layout of the World Trade Center as well as anyone, provided the answer. McLoughlin told the officers he needed three volunteers who knew how to use Scott air packs. Jimeno, Pezzulo and Antonio Rodrigues all answered. This shows determination because Sergeant John McLouglin decided to risk his life to save others in the horrifying situation. This is how determined John McLoughlin is in his efforts to save people in the Twin Towers collapse.

John McLoughlin shows selflessness in his job by working for the safety and protection of others. Here is a moment in John's life that he will never forget, "With his last couple of breaths he reached out his arm and fired a shot toward the hole of light to try and get someone's attention. He said, 'Will, don't forget that I died trying to save you guys,' then he slumped over and passed," Jimeno related. "This was really tough for me. Dom was a total gentleman, father of two kids, and he had a beautiful wife." This shows selflessness because even with Officer Pezzulo's last breaths, he was trying to save his friends. But he still persisted. "He didn't even have to be there because he had a heart condition. I was so impressed and it comforted me that he was so calm. I remember thinking that this is a guy to follow." Reynolds was one of 37 PAPD officers who would perish that day. This shows Selflessness because Sergeant John McLoughlin didn't even have to be there to help, and yet he was one of the first people on scene. This shows how selfless John McLoughlin really is.

Law enforcement is a very serious job. John McLoughlin is a prime example of a officer who has his country at heart. He shows determination and selflessness in his job daily. This man is an inspiration to me and should be to all. John McLoughlin was tested throughout his 23 hours buried under countless tons of rubble, and this shows determination to survive. He also tried to save his friends, and didn't even have to be on duty that day, but he was. "About 2015 hrs, Jimeno heard someone yell, "U.S. Marines." He immediately yelled back, "Eight-13, Port Authority PD, officers down." The rescuers called out to the trapped officer, encouraging him to keep yelling. "God blessed me with big lungs," said Jimeno. "I kept yelling to them. Because they said they were Marines, I told Sarge that I thought we were at war."." John McLoughlin has gone through the tragic event that lots of people lost their lives to. He almost lost his as well. John McLoughlin is a hero, inspiration, and humble man in his acts to raise awareness for this day in history.

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