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Steve Buscemi Suffers From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Working As A Firefighter On 9/11

Steve Buscemi Suffers From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Working As A Firefighter On 9/11

Steve Buscemi, the star of Reservoir Dogs and Fargo, turned up to volunteer for five days after 9/11

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Steve Buscemi has shared his experiences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that he still has to contend with after he volunteered as a firefighter on September 11 2001.

Buscemi, who previously worked as a firefighter before finding fame on screen, arrived at the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 and helped out with the rescue and recovery efforts for five days.

The Fargo and Reservoir Dogs star spoke to podcast host Marc Maron about his experiences as the 20th anniversary of the terrorist atrocity approaches.

He explained: "I just didn't have any information.

"I kept calling the fire house the day before and of course there was no answer.

"Because I knew that they would be there. And then I eventually learned that five of them were missing.

Steve Buscemi.
PA

"One of them was a good friend of mine I used to work with.

"I was driven to the site that day, walked around for hours and then found my company, found Engine 55 working there.

"I asked if I could join them. I could tell they were a little suspicious at first, but I worked with them that day."

After he helped out for that day, he stuck around and assisted the crews at the scene for several days afterwards.

Buscemi said that he was 'grateful' to have been able to help, and he hasn't had any health issues like some others have, but it's clear that the things that he witnessed have stayed with him.

He continued: "I haven't experienced any health issues, and I get myself checked out, but definitely.... Post-traumatic stress? Absolutely.

"I was only there for like five days, but when I stopped going and tried to just live my life again, it was really, really hard. I was depressed, I was anxious, I couldn't make a simple decision.

"All those things. It's still with me.

"There are times when I talk about 9/11 and I'm right back there. I start to get choked up and I realise, ah, this is still a big part of me."

Nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11.
PA

Since the attacks, Buscemi has worked with Friends of Firefighters, an organisation that provides mental health help and counselling for those within the profession that need it.

The anniversary of 9/11 can be a 'trigger' for many who survived to tell the tale.

Buscemi also discussed forthcoming documentary Dust: The Lingering Legacy of 9/11, which aims to raise awareness of the ongoing health issues and continuing problems faced by those who were present at the scene that day.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: terrorism, 9/11, TV and Film, Celebrity, US News, New York, No-Article-Matching, US Entertainment

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