Tim Brown

  • First Responder, Survivor
  • ASL

Retired FDNY firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center and survived the collapse of the South Tower.  

2025 Digital Learning Experience Video - Tim Brown (ASL)

Tim Brown ASL

This story was filmed as part of our 2025 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience, which introduces students to first-person accounts of the attacks. To participate in our 2026 Digital Learning Experience on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, register here.

Teaching Guides

Find tailored questions below for teaching this story.

As you listen to Tim’s story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Tim’s morning on 9/11. What was his job?
  • As Tim headed into the North Tower to help, how did he notice office workers behaving? Why is it important to help others in an emergency
  • When the South Tower collapsed, what did Tim see, hear, and feel?
  • Tim says that his friends performed “acts of the greatest love.” How did the first responders show love on 9/11? How can you show love to your community during times of hardship?

As you listen to Tim’s story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Tim’s morning on 9/11. Where did he work? What was his normal routine?
  • As the attacks began, what did Tim notice about how the office workers were behaving inside the North Tower? Why did this lift his spirits?
  • Describe Tim’s experience when the South Tower collapsed. What helped him survive?
  • Tim says that his friends and fellow firefighters performed “acts of the greatest love.” How did people show love for others on 9/11 and the months that followed?  How can you show love to your community during times of hardship?

As you listen to Tim’s story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Tim’s morning on 9/11. Where did he work? What were his responsibilities?
  • How were the people that Tim observed in the North Tower treating each other? How did this make him feel?
  • Describe Tim’s experience when the South Tower collapsed. How did he escape?
  • Tim says that his friends and fellow firefighters performed “acts of the greatest love.” How did people show love for others on 9/11 and the months that followed?  How can you show love to your community during times of hardship?

Additional Resources

You can learn more about Tim Brown’s best friend, Captain Terence Hatton, on our MEMO Blog. You can find more information about Tim’s life-sized Polaroid portrait using Inside the Collection. If you’re interested in hearing from more first responders, visit our DLE Archive.

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