Disaster Response: Answering the Call - New York City, September 2001

Within minutes of the World Trade Center disaster, Volunteer Ministers were on site, providing support around the clock to emergency personnel. They continued to arrive from all over the United States and from distant countries, until, all told, there were 800 "yellow shirts" working 24/7 alongside New York emergency rescue teams, providing real help. And when it was over, those 800 Volunteer Ministers earned praise from officials and civic leaders and were awarded the 911 Program's Medal of Valor.

"I want to express to you my appreciation for all that your Church has done in these difficult times, and would ask that you pass my thanks to your Volunteer Ministers.

"As one who saw firsthand what was needed at the World Trade Center site in the days and weeks immediately after September 11th, I want to thank you, the Church of Scientology, and the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology, many of whom came long distances to help us.

"The Volunteer Ministers worked with great energy and great compassion at Ground Zero, helping to ease the physical burdens, and mental strains of the rescue workers. From the earliest days of this tragedy, until the time when volunteers were no longer needed at the site, the people of your Church were there in force.

"The organization, the caring, and the dedication of your Volunteer Ministers were exceptional, very much appreciated, and will long be remembered by those who received their help. I cannot thank the Volunteers enough."

Joseph J. Esposito,
Chief of Department
New York City
Police Department,
December 14, 2001