On the tragic day of September 11, 2001 (9-11), while Joe was assisting his Brethren Firefighters and First Responders with rescue operations, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, burying him alive. Having been successfully rescued, and in transit to be treated for his critical injuries, the North Tower collapsed, burying Joe alive for a second time that day. Joe miraculously survived the collapse of both World trade Center Towers and has had to learn to live with his lifelong injuries.