Indiana responders and 9-11 tragedy: anniversary approaches

<p dir="ltr">As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9-11-01 terrorist attacks, this month marks another milestone involving <strong><a href= "https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2021/06/30/florida-building-collapse-indiana-task-force-1-assist-rescue/7817754002/">Indiana Task Force 1</a></strong>, which was among 28 elite rescue teams dispatched to<strong> Ground Zero</strong> in New York City to search for survivors. Thirty years ago, in July 1991, Indiana Task Force 1 - which includes firefighters, emergency medical technicians, engineers, search-dog handlers and other highly trained specialists - was being formed to respond to catastrophic events.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hoosier History Live will explore the aftermath of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City, when 62 professional rescuers from Indiana and their support crew arrived at the still-smoldering ruins. Some of the Indiana Task Force 1 members were among the first "boots on the ground" from across the country at Ground Zero after the suicide hijackings of airplanes that crashed into the World Trade Center's 110-story towers.</p> <p dir="ltr">To explore what unfolded - as well as earlier and subsequent missions of the Indiana responders since the formation of the task force - Nelson will be joined by two guests:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"><strong>Tom Spalding</strong>, who was the public safety reporter for <em><strong><a href= "https://www.indystar.com/">The Indianapolis Star</a></strong></em> when he accompanied the Indiana task force to Ground Zero for an "up-close and personal" look at their overwhelming mission. Tom, who left the <em>Star</em> in 2011 to become a public relations manager, is  working on a book that will include a chapter about Indiana Task Force 1's search efforts.</li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">And <strong>Dave Cook</strong>, a battalion chief for the <strong><a href= "https://www.indy.gov/agency/indianapolis-fire-department">Indianapolis Fire Department</a></strong> (IFD), who served a criti