By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Posted: November 29, 2001

Dozens of bouquets, seven notebooks filled with letters of gratitude and a hand-stitched memorial quilt are among the many ways America has said thanks to New York City’s E911 Technicians for their courageous work on the city’s darkest day, Sept. 11.

The entrance of their headquarters has a “Wall of Appreciation” filled with messages of hope from across the nation. It is a growing testament to the country’s heartfelt appreciation for the hard-working members of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549.

The unit received commendations from the mayor and the police commissioner. "They did an absolutely fabulous job in the face of great emotional strain and extreme pressure," said Commanding Officer Charles F. Dowd. On Sept. 11, starting when the first hijacked plane crashed into the World Trade Center at 8:48 a.m., more than 1,200 Police Communications Technicians and Supervising PCTs answered 55,574 calls for help from people in and near the WTC. They also gave lifesaving direction to thousands of Police, Fire and EMS workers and coordinated efforts with the Transit Authority, the FBI and other agencies, protecting millions of New Yorkers from compounded disaster.

"It’s difficult to regroup from such a heart-wrenching situation," said PCT Linda Cooper. "The letters and cards say others are sympathetic and appreciate what we do."

Two station wagon loads of pretzels came from Philadelphia, five boxes of pies from Nashville and dried elk meat from the Midwest. Waitresses from a diner in Ada, Okla., donated their tips. And the gifts continue to pour in.

"The wall brings you back to reality," said Supervising PCT Priscilla Encarnacion. “We are recovering from the shock of it all. The outpouring of letters from other 911 workers allows us to express our feelings about that day and come to closure.”

The 911 staff made a tremendous sacrifice, said Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriquez. "They worked 16 hour shifts, put aside worries about their own families and kept the city safe."

On breaks, the 911 Technicians gather near the wall. "We read the messages and reflect on the thoughtfulness behind the gifts," said 911 Training Instructor Sandy Jackson. "It is a healing for us all."