Illinois Wesleyan University


World Trade Center Survivor, Firefighter William S. "Billy" Butler to Speak at Illinois Wesleyan

Aug. 29, 2003

William S. “Billy” Butler is a 22-year veteran firefighter, eight years of which he spent with New York’s Bravest. He will offer his first-hand account of the tragic Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center (WTC). Butler’s presentation, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Hansen Student Center, 300 Beecher St., Bloomington.

Ladder Co. 6 from the Chinatown section of New York City, of which Butler is a member, responded to the WTC in time to witness the second plane barreling into the South Tower. Butler entered Stairwell B in the North Tower to assist in the evacuation of the building and became trapped as the tower collapsed around him in what he described as sounding “like a train coming down the tracks.”

Butler’s discussion will provide his narrative account of determination and heroism performed that day as well as the stories of the emergency personnel that perished in the tragedy.

Cited on two previous occasions with the New York Fire Department (FDNY) for bravery and performance of duty, Butler was recommended for the highest award given by FDNY, the Class 1 Meritorious Act Award for his fearlessness on 9/11.

Butler is an instructor in New York for Rescue Operations as well as a member of Firefighter Assist and Search Teams whose specialization is in removing trapped and injured firefighters from fire scenes.

The Illinois Wesleyan Student Senate is sponsoring the event. For additional information contact Kevin Klean, Student Senate Student Welfare and Human Relations Commissioner at (309) 556-1370.

Contact Chris Weber 309/556-3181


IWU News

The Front Page
Current News Stories
Illinois Wesleyan Magazine
The Photos Page
Sounds & Sights
Weekly Calendar
Sports Page

For the Media

Current News Stories
IWU News Tips
Faculty Experts
Communications Staff
Contact Us

Windows of Wesleyan

All content and images copyright © 2002-04 Illinois Wesleyan University