Will Jimeno
William Jose Jimeno | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 26, 1967 Colombia |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, former police officer |
| Known for | Surviving the September 11 attacks; author of books about 9/11 experience |
William Jose Jimeno (born November 26, 1967) is a Colombian-American writer and former officer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department who survived the September 11 attacks in 2001. He was trapped beneath debris for 13 hours alongside fellow officer John McLoughlin. Jimeno has written two books detailing his experiences.
Originally from Colombia, Jimeno moved to New York City during his childhood.
Career
During the September 11 attacks, Jimeno was a newly appointed officer stationed at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He saw the shadow of American Airlines Flight 11 just moments before it crashed into the North Tower. Subsequently, he joined a group of 20 Port Authority officers who took control of a bus heading toward the World Trade Center site.
When the South Tower collapsed, Jimeno and two other officers became trapped beneath the concourse connecting the Twin Towers. Of the three, only Jimeno and Sgt. McLoughlin survived; Dominick Pezzulo lost his life while trying to free Jimeno.
A USA Today report highlighted:
Their rescue came after former U.S. Marines Sergeant Jason Thomas and Staff Sergeant Dave Karnes heard their calls for assistance. Both survivors endured serious injuries that necessitated numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. On June 11, 2002, McLoughlin and Jimeno were honored with the Port Authority's Medal of Honor at Madison Square Garden, symbolizing their extraordinary recovery.[1]
Books
Jimeno has written two books focusing on his 9/11 ordeal, including one aimed at children.
| Year | Title | Publisher | ISBN | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Immigrant, American, Survivor: A Little Boy Who Grew Up To Be All Three (Children's book/Autobiography) | Charles Ricciardi | 978-0999698655 | 57 |
| 2021 | Sunrise Through the Darkness: A Survivor's Account of Learning to Live Again Beyond 9/11 (Biography/Autobiography) | University Professors Press | 978-1939686992 | 220 |
Media
Jimeno’s entrapment and subsequent rescue were portrayed in Oliver Stone’s 2006 movie World Trade Center, with Michael Peña playing his role.
On January 2, 2008, Jimeno participated in the television game show Deal or No Deal, where he won $271,000.
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