Uncover the Months Following 9/11 at Museum Speaker Series | Aviation

By Emme Hornung

Returning from the 2023 edition of the 9/11 Aviation Adventure Speaker Series, retired FDNY Deputy Chief Charles R. Blaich brings with him colleague and friend Dr. Michael Fagel, an emergency management specialist who worked alongside Blaich to ensure the safety and smooth operations of recovery and cleanup following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. Learn more about their experience on ground zero and managing the aftermath through their presentation at the EAA Aviation Museum on Wednesday, September 11, at 7 p.m.

Charles R. Blaich served in the Marine Corps for 30 years before retiring as a colonel, then served the New York City Fire Department as deputy chief of department until his retirement in 2004. Charles responded to the attacks immediately despite being on bed rest from a recent surgery. For the five months to follow, he was given the assignment of logistics chief, meeting with 72 city, state, and federal agencies each morning to assign jobs, organize supply distribution, determine hazmat operations, and plot where cranes could safely be placed for cleanup.

Michael Fagel received a doctorate in disaster management from Columbia Southern University, and has more than 40 years of experience in police, fire, emergency medical services, and emergency management. Mike arrived on scene on September 14 after being called in by the U.S….