Local NYC Police Officer remembers 9/11

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Anthony Rivera went from being a NYC Police Academy Rookie to walking the beat on September 11. Just a couple of months into his nine month police academy, Rivera was thrust from a classroom into a real life tragedy.

He heard trouble before anyone around him.

"I remember asking him have you ever heard of an airplane flying so low in Manhattan and he said what airplane," said Rivera.

Moments later, the bells rung.

"Police officers resigned on that day right there in the mobilization deck because they were afraid of going in those buildings," said Rivera.

"I was very afraid of going in that building but I was prepared to have to go if I was called upon to do that," he continued.

Before making his way as far downtown as Canal Street, Rivera said he became fixed on Police Officer Glen Pettit.

"He had a very distinct face. He had red cheeks just like me. I saw him grabbing his cameras and equipment and I saw him rushing to the buildings and he was one of those people that never came back," said Rivera.

Downtown, Rivera administered first aid, passed out supplies and checked for secondary explosive devices.

"I just felt like I needed to be there and to just help as many people as I can," he said.

He remembers debris falling from the sky like snow.

"We were standing out there with no respirators breathing that stuff in but still trying to help all the people out there," said Rivera.

He also remembers the New York City residents who radiated a warmth he hadn't felt before.

"There was countless people just walking over to me and touching my shield and saying thank you," said Rivera.