OK! Real Life: 9/11 Rescue Workers— They Remain Heroes

For NYC fire commissioner, Salvatore Cassano, Sept. 11, 2011 is a day to honor his fallen brethren and their families by visiting firehouses across the city that lost so many on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center came crashing down. "It's to pay respect," Salvatore tells OK! in this week's issue.

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The visit also brings back memories for Salvatore. Minutes after a plane hijacked by terrorists crashed into the 110-story north tower, Salvatore, then a three-star chief, raced to the site to set up a command post in the dust and debris.

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He also remembers running into the fire department's chaplain, the Rev. Mychal Judge, and telling him, "I've got a feeling we're going to need a lot of prayers today."

Too true — Salvatore later found out the chaplain died moments after they spoke.

FOR MORE ON SALVATORE'S 9/11 STORY & OTHER HEROES, PICK UP THIS WEEK'S ISSUE OF OK! — ON SALE EVERYWHERE THURSDAY!