Episode 23

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Published on:

9th Sep 2025

Chief Joe Morris 9/11 Story (Part 1) | From LaGuardia to Ground Zero

On September 11, 2001, the Port Authority Police Department suffered the greatest single-day loss of life in U.S. law enforcement history. Thirty-seven officers never came home.

In this first part of a powerful two-part series, Chief Joe Morris shares his firsthand 9/11 story. Starting the day as commanding officer at LaGuardia Airport, Joe recounts how he mobilized his team, rushed to the World Trade Center, and found himself the senior officer on the ground after the collapse of the South Tower.

This is a gripping account of courage, chaos, and survival - told by the man who suddenly had to bring order to the worst attack on American soil.

Chapters

  • 00:00 – Remembering 9/11
  • 02:00 – Chief Joe Morris’ background
  • 05:00 – Inside the Port Authority Police
  • 07:00 – The morning of September 11th
  • 10:40 – Mobilizing from LaGuardia
  • 13:30 – Arriving at the Towers
  • 16:30 – Collapse of the South Tower
  • 20:00 – Loss of leadership above Joe
  • 27:00 – Becoming the senior officer left in command
  • 30:00 – Preview of Part 2

9/11 podcast, Ground Zero survivor, Port Authority Police 9/11, Joe Morris interview, LaGuardia 9/11, Heroes Behind the Badge podcast.

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About the Podcast

Heroes Behind the Badge
We tell REAL stories about REAL cops.  And we expose the fake news about police and give you the REAL truth.
From the front lines to the final call, Heroes Behind the Badge brings you the untold stories of America's law enforcement community. Led by Craig Floyd, who spent 34 years working alongside police officers across the nation, alongside veteran facilitator Dennis Collins and law enforcement expert Bill Erfurth, this podcast cuts through misconceptions to reveal the true nature of modern policing.

Our dynamic trio brings unique perspectives to each episode: Craig shares deep insights from his decades of experience and relationships within law enforcement, Dennis guides conversations with meticulous research and natural flow, and Bill adds engaging commentary that makes complex law enforcement topics accessible to all listeners.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with law enforcement professionals, sharing their firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Drawing from extensive research and real-world experience, we explore the realities faced by the over 800,000 officers who serve and protect our communities every day.

From dramatic accounts of crisis response to quiet moments of everyday heroism, our show illuminates the human stories behind the badge. We dive deep into the statistics, policies, and practices that shape modern law enforcement, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to serve in law enforcement today.

Whether you're a law enforcement professional, a concerned citizen, or someone seeking to understand the complexities of modern policing, Heroes Behind the Badge provides the context, insights, and authentic perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Join us weekly as we honor those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, one story at a time.

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