Video Camera

In the summer of 2001, brothers Gédéon and Jules Naudet were making a documentary film in collaboration with FDNY Firefighter James Hanlon about FDNY Ladder Company 1, which shares quarters in lower Manhattan with Engine Company 7 and Battalion 1. On September 11, Gédéon remained in the firehouse while Jules shadowed Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer and other firefighters on a routine call near the World Trade Center. After hearing a loud noise, Gédéon grabbed his video camera and began filming people on the street as they stared at the fire in the North Tower.
 
Concerned about his brother, Gédéon hitched a ride to the World Trade Center. Hearing a gigantic roar, he looked up to see the North Tower collapsing. Gédéon took refuge inside a nearby fire truck.
 
When he ventured outside, Gédéon used the light on his camera to navigate through the thick dust in the air. He assisted an injured man and then made his way back to the firehouse to await news of his brother, fearing that Jules had been killed. Two and a half hours later, the brothers were reunited.