Last Man Out Of The Towers By: Mark W Adams

He was one of only five people to have a master key for the World Trade Center, a janitor who personally saved at least 15 people, and unlocked the stairway doors to allow the escape of unknown hundreds on that day we'll never forget. He went back in three times, leading the firemen up into the chaos while everyone ran the other way.

He truly is an inspiration.

William Rodriguez, is a native of Puerto Rico, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the State of New Jersey. On September 11, 2001, and for approximately nineteen years prior thereto, Rodriguez was employed as a maintenance worker at the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York, New York.

On 9/11, Rodriguez single-handedly rescued fifteen (15) persons from the WTC, and as Rodriguez was the only person at the site with the master key to the North Tower stairwells, he bravely led firefighters up the stairwell, unlocking doors as they ascended, thereby aiding in the successful evacuation of unknown hundreds of those who survived. Rodriguez, at great risk to his own life, re-entered the Towers three times after the first, North Tower impact at about 8:46 A.M., and is believed to be the last person to exit the North Tower alive, surviving the building's collapse by diving beneath a fire truck. After receiving medical attention at the WTC site for his injuries, Rodriguez spent the rest of 9/11 aiding as a volunteer in the rescue efforts, and at dawn the following morning, was back at Ground Zero continuing his heroic efforts.

[From his website: 911keymaster.com]

I caught a presentation by Mr. Rodriguez on C-Span over the weekend, and was simply blown away. An Amazing story you can watch (Real Media or Windows .wmv / or .smi video link).

Mr. Asner introduced Mr. Rodriguez, criticized the current war in Iraq, and said he believes all the facts about the September 11 attacks have never been revealed.

William Rodriguez talked about surviving the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He was a janitor on duty that morning, and he described how he re-entered the Towers three times after the first impact on the North Tower to rescue others. He is believed to be the last person to exit the North Tower alive, surviving the building's collapse by diving beneath a fire truck. After receiving medical attention at the site for his injuries, he continued to volunteer. He talked about his skepticism of the official reports of the attacks. He also showed photographs of himself taking his story to other countries.

This event at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church also promoted his film, The Last Man Out.

Statues should be erected to this hero. Please watch the video. On such a tragic day of rememberance, recounting Mr. Rodriguez' actions in the face of dangers he couldn't possibly appreciate at the time is guaranteed to lift your spirits and renew your faith in your fellow man.