Rod Millner (former 1st Commando Regiment and 2/17 RNSWR) ARES, on 11 Sept, 2001 stopped everything when he heard the call for volunteers with construction experience over the radio. He selflessly helped in the search and rescue effort in New York at what was to become known as Ground Zero. At the time he was training in upstate NY in preparation for a world record skydiving attempt in 2002.

Rod knew this was going to be intense, but felt compelled to help our American brothers and sisters with his valuable skillset. The first night there, Rod found the ‘Search and Rescue’ lighting was severely lacking (why would firefighters need to know lighting). Under two layers of rubble there was virtually no illumination. First responders from NYPD, NYFD and NYC Paramedics were using flashlights in one hand while trying to dig and search with the other.

He quickly discovered an ‘abandoned’ generator and set it up with 500w metal lamps with long cables. In that one search area alone five firemen put their flashlights away and could see everywhere enabling them to use two hands for searching. This increased speed of the rescue effort and made it far safer for the searchers. Rod found himself a job!

On the second night Rod was there the remnants of the American flag was found in the rubble. The fact it still had one star shows we are not defeated and gave us all strength. When the flag was taped to the wall you could feel an incredible wave of emotion flow through everyone.

The one thing that has always impressed me about the Americans is their ability to create amazing leaders. From the Fire Chiefs onsite I dealt with to the platoon commanders leading their staff to the organisers of the food, clothing and equipment. People were stepping up all over the place and there were people willing to help for any request and just made it happen. In circumstances of extreme measure the Americans certainly stand tall.

The fire dept hierarchy didn’t know who Rod was, or why he was there, but knew he was making a big difference in the recovery effort. “Hi, I’m Rod the lighting guy, where are you searching tonight?” he’d say to the Area Fire Chiefs. Within days he was given platoons of firefighters to work for him. He taught them how to set up and maximise the generators use for multiple search areas.  He stayed every day and night, struggling with lack of sleep but was determined to help in this hour of need. Rod kept going until a steel shard, hiding in the shadows, pierced through his right knee 7 nights later.

St Pauls’ Cathedral Spire standing tall between the fallen walls of the World Trade Centre

Physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted Rod was heartened to hear for the first time as he was leaving, the firefighters calling for generators for a new search area.

Riley was one of the search and rescue dogs.

Rod’s job was done.

Below is a letter from Lt Joseph Di Martino, he was the commander of the first platoon who Rod trained and directed to set up emergency rescue lighting.