Survivor's Guilt: The Legacy of 9/11 with Battalion Chief Brian Russo

Brian Russo, a battalion chief for FDNY, shares his experience of 9/11 and the aftermath. He discusses the chaos and devastation of that day, the loss of colleagues and friends, and the survivor's guilt he experienced. Russo highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the stigma associated with seeking help. He also emphasizes the changes and improvements in command and control, communication, and training that have been implemented since 9/11. Russo's story serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the tragedy and the need for continued support and awareness.Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire FoundationGuest: Battalion Chief Brian Russo of FDNYLink: Brian Russo's NYT Oral HistoryLink: 9-11 Memorial Stair ClimbLink: Ventura Foundation Webinar SeriesConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramSupport the showJOIN US!  👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collectiveSupport our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFCConnect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/Listen on the go:Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwbSpotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDlWatch on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd-----------------The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. -----------------Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.