Local Volunteers Remember 9/11

Today marks six years since the attacks of September 11th. Even though so much time has passed, the event still lingers with most of the country. But it sticks with those who were there. A small lapel pin is what Don Simpson uses to honor the sixth anniversary of September 11th. But the effects of those attacks weigh a little more heavily for Simpson. "Wwere sent into New York to assist the medical examiner in his office and in all the areas he needed help. Simpson spent two weeks working in New York immediately after the attacks. He entered information from the missing person posters so the coroner could identify the body. Even though he wasnt directly at ground zero, the atmosphere of the city sticks with him. "Theres a high intesity atmosphere." He vivdly remembers bodies arriving the morgue where he worked. "They came under full motorcycle escorts under sirens so you knew when we were recieveing someone from ground zero." Simpson is part of a group that helps coroners during major disasters. He was just one of thousands helping in the rescue and recovery effort. Recent studies show 12 percent of those who helped at ground zero suffer from post traumtic stress disorder. Simpson is not one of those but he understands why so many are affected. "Your emotions are running a little different in that situation." Within his group, Simpson says he had extra support but that doesnt erase the effect the people and events of 9/11 had on him. "You never forget." Even after six years.